William White to Serve as Board of Aldermen President in 2013

The Somerville Board of Aldermen Thursday selected Alderman At-Large William White to serve as its president in 2013.

Alderman At-Large John Connolly will serve as the Board's vice president. The Board voted unanimously in both cases.

White, after being selected, said he was "honored" that members of the Board "expressed their confidence in me."

He said the Somerville Board of Aldermen has a custom of selecting a new president each year on a rotating basis, which avoids bitter in-house political fights among those seeking the office. Generally speaking, White said, the previous year's vice president is selected as the new president of the legislative body. White served as the Board's vice president in 2012.

The Board of Aldermen president's main responsibility is to preside over meetings. The person who holds the office would also assume the responsibilities of mayor if the mayor is unable to do his or her job.

Ward 3 Alderman Thomas Taylor served as the Board's president in 2012.