Matthew McLaughlin Jumps into Ward 1 Alderman Race

Residents may know Matt McLaughlin as one of the founders of Save Our Somerville, a local organization "committed to giving a voice to those who feel they have no voice in our community."

McLaughlin, 32, is now a candidate for alderman in Ward 1.

The Somerville native is joining a race that also includes sitting Ward 1 Alderman Maureen Bastardi and East Somerville businessman Elio LoRusso.

McLaughlin sees his candidacy as a continuation of the work he's done with Save Our Somerville.

When former Ward 1 Alderman William Roche resigned in December of 2012—Bastardi was appointed as his replacement—McLaughlin saw it as "a big opportunity" to further his work.

"East Somerville is one of the most underserved parts of the community," he said about the neighborhood that makes up Ward 1. "I look at this as an extension of the things I've already done in the community."

McLaughlin is a Somerville High School graduate and five-year Army veteran who served two tours in Baghdad, he said. He's currently attending Tufts University on the G.I. Bill and is scheduled to graduate this spring.

McLaughlin pointed to a number of issues in Ward 1 he'd like to focus on, and many of them are interconnected, he said.

Youth services, affordability, local jobs, crime and the environment are some of those issues.

"There are more young people here than anywhere else in the community," he said about the ward. At the same time, "We have some crime issues."

The two things are "related" he added. "A lot of the crime just doesn't need to happen," especially if the community can get young people on the "right path," he said.

He supports the development of Assembly Square, but "I don't want to see people in the neighborhood forced out" as a result, he said.

He also said he's "passionate" about open space and parks. "I have two park developments under my belt," he added—Save Our Somerville was involved in planning reconstructions of Lexington and Morse- Kelley parks.

Talking about the upcoming election, which now has at least three candidates, McLaughlin said he was ready to work hard. "I want to keep it positive," he said.

More on election in Ward 1

Elio LoRusso Announces Run for Alderman in Ward 1

Bastardi: 'I Am Running' in Ward 1