New Candidate Enters Somerville Mayoral Race

SOMERVILLE, MA — An outspoken critic of Mayor Joseph Curtatone is making his own bid for City Hall. William Tauro, who runs the Somerville/Medford News Weekly website and wrote the book "Stealing Somerville: The Death of an Urban City," announced Thursday he will pull papers in the spring for the 2021 mayoral race.

Tauro said he "cannot sit back any longer and watch our community consume itself." A lifelong resident of Somerville, whose family has been involved in local business for more than 55 years, Tauro wants to "engage against the corruption that has overtaken our city."

Tauro's platform includes addressing health and safety issues in city streets – particularly concerning rodents – assisting seniors and veterans, allocating city funds more efficiently, giving local business owners tax breaks, restoring the Civil Service process to the police chief and implementing an Open Door policy in the mayor's office.

"Somerville families have stood together in the past and I intend on restoring that belief," Tauro said in announcing his campaign. "I have confidence in knowing I will fight hard for you and your families."