Sciortino backs Heller not Trane for Ward 7 alderman

The Heller campaign sent us the following release:

State Rep. Carl Sciortino endorses Ward7 Alderman Candidate Rachel Heller

Calling Rachel Heller a "valuable asset" to Somerville, State Representative Carl Sciortino officially endorsed the candidate for Ward 7 alderman.

"Rachel's expertise would be an incredibly valuable asset for Ward 7, and for all of Somerville," Sciortino said. "She is hard-working and authentically cares about people, especially those who have little voice in government."

Sciortino noted that he has often worked with Heller, particularly in connection with her position as Policy Director for the State Senate Housing Committee. He credited her with playing a key role in addressing the mortgage foreclosure crisis in Massachusetts and with helping to restore funding to the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program.

He also applauded her efforts on a local senior housing issue. Heller, he said, brought attention to the concerns of Capen Court residents, who are scheduled to be relocated during construction of their new building.

"Rachel used her expertise in housing, got them the information they needed, brought in legal advocates, and got the state to respond to protect the residents of Capen Court," he said.

Sciortino also said Heller's advocacy for the environment, consumers, and the homeless showed she would be a proactive alderman.

"Rachel will be a strong advocate for the residents of Ward 7 on the Board of Alderman," Sciortino said. "She is someone who will fix the potholes as well as work to make the city a better place to live for everyone."

Heller said she was proud to have the state representative's endorsement.

"Carl is inspiring as a represenative," she said. "The way he reaches out to the community is something I would emulate as a board member."