The Powderhouse

Heller: Congrats to Trane; Thanks to voters

Ward 7 alderman challenger Rachel Heller sent over this letter:

To the Editor:

I'm writing to thank everyone who opened their doors to me over the last four months of my campaign for the Ward 7 seat on the Board of Alderman, spoke with my volunteers over the phone, and to those who gave me your support. I would also like to congratulate Bob Trane on his victory.

As I went door to door, I listened as people shared their concerns about high housing costs, our schools, property taxes, water bills, pedestrian and cyclist safety, our relationship with Tufts, open space, road and sidewalk repairs, and so many other important quality of life matters. While people shared many concerns, one common theme ran through every conversation. People love Somerville. We care about our neighbors and we care about the future of our city. It is this love of Somerville and sense of community that invigorates me to stay involved and to work with Alderman Bob Trane. I hope that all of my supporters will do the same.

Thank you again to the residents of Ward 7 for opening your doors, picking up your phones, and for caring about our neighborhoods.

-Rachel Heller
617-996-9274

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."

Heller kicks off campaign Sept. 17

The Heller campaign sent over the following release:

Rachel Heller brandished her credentials as a candidate with an independent voice at her official campaign kickoff Monday at Johnny D's in Davis Square.

From the green and white balloons to the venue itself, the event became iconic of the campaign's grassroots origins and Heller continued that theme in her speech.

"I'm running for Ward 7 Alderman because I want to make City Hall more responsive, inclusive, and proactive," Heller told the audience of nearly 100 supporters, including a number of local elected officials. "I believe that government works best when it works in partnership with the people it represents."

Heller continued by discussing some of the concerns she says she has heard while going door-to-door since starting the campaign. She said one of the top concerns was the rise in the cost of living for renters and homeowners.

"I hear it from people who have lived here for more than 50 or 60 years," she said. "For them, their property taxes and water bills are concerns. For their children and grandchildren, Somerville has become a place to visit rather than a place to call home."

Heller also cited the need for more open space, more accessible after-school programs and a clean Mystic River. She noted that Somerville is in transition with a number of imminent changes such as the building of two subway stations and Assembly Square. She declared she would advocate for the "community's interests" when making decisions regarding such matters.

Heller pointed at her record as an environmental and housing activist, saying that she would continue to be an activist in office. Heller has worked as an organizer with the PIRGS, Earthday Resources for Living Green and Green Century Capital Management. She also has volunteered with the Somerville Affordable Housing Organizing Committee and is now the Policy Director for the Massachusetts State Senate Housing Committee.

"I have always been an advocate and as Alderman I will continue to be an advocate for you, for our neighborhood, and for Somerville - which is a nice place to visit, AND a nice place to call home."

"She's very enthusiastic," said Elese Greene, a resident of the ward for 30 years who attended the kickoff. "I was impressed by her keen insight into the issues affecting the community."

Lou Ann David, a resident of Ward 7 for 21 years and who has lived in the region since the 1950's, said that she plans to vote for Rachel because of her "honesty" and "integrity."

"She is someone who looks you in the eye and says she is going to do something and then actually goes and does it," David said. "She will tell you what you need to know and if she doesn't know, she will go and find out and come back."