In Transition

When it comes to pass it will be clear when and to what things transitioned from the Italian and Irish dynasty. For now I’ll just tell my story about what I knew as Somerville. During my time it was a fun and exciting place if you enjoyed being involved in political combat. It was the time after World War II and leading up to the internet age.
It as a unique and special place that had its own character- sometimes passive aggressive –sometimes angry- sometimes happy and proud. The character of the City was often found in its focus on politics and family.
The family dynamic was brought into politics. And there was an expectation that you would remain loyal to those who helped you.
Since life is always changing so was and is Somerville. During my lifetime the Irish and Italians moved what we call the WASPs out . And, now we have urbane professionals, students, and Brazilians moving the Italians and Irish out.
During the 1980’s it was a time for the 2nd generation of Somerville Italians and Irish to play their role as city leaders. Many of us had gone to college- but we held most who did not in high regard- since they were our parents, brothers, sisters, friends, and neighbors. We also realized that school only taught us a small part of what we needed to be happy and successful in life. And, for those who aspired to take the political route we could not do it alone- we needed our community to support us.
One of the smartest pieces of advice that was offered when it came to running for office was to start with your base. In Somerville that meant your family, friends, and your neighborhood- more specifically your street. If you got your base interested and supportive- it gave you the momentum to move on. In the alternative if you did not the saying was “he won’t get off his own street”.
People who had success in the 70’s and 80’s not only knew both sides of Somerville- but they embraced it within themselves. They may have gone to college or been successful in other areas- but they valued, understood, and appreciated those who did not.
For many of us the goal continued to be up and out – or if just out. For some the decision was made that they would stay and try and make things better. People like Mike Capuano, Joe Mackey, and others made that decision freely and openly because they loved Somerville for what it gave them and what they hoped they could give it. Others stayed because they needed Somerville more than we needed them- the Piro’s Howe’s, Koties, Bakey’s, and Campos hung around so they could continue to feed off the system in one way or another. And then there where the outsiders who worked their way in Tom Taylor, Pat Jehlen, etc. who found their own way of making things work for them.
Until Lester Ralph came along it was pretty straightforward. Whether we trusted and liked them or not the options where the same … Many who lived through the Lester years will tell you he came in on white horse but left dirty – They did not add just like the rest of us. That may be true. But he also opened the door that ultimately led to the Somerville we see today. Without Lester there likely would not have been Davis Square task force …. Redline … or revitalization of the surrounding areas … all of which came after he was long gone.
Pat Jehlen is the prototypical newcomer- and one who got it and hung around
Joe Mackey got caught in transition
Mike Capuano
If nothing else the Somerville village I knew was in a transition and


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I am not sure why Michael Capuano was successful when Joe Mackey was not when it came to winning elections. Both emerged in the post-Ralph era as the best of Somerville. Both where children of established Somerville families. Joe's family had been involved in the Somerville school and sports systems. Michael's had been involved in government and Somerville politics. Both attededed Somerville High, and graduated from Ivy league and top law schools. Both got elected as ward Alderman in 1978.

Irish vs. Italian Round I

Bretta
Piro
Brenan

Irish vs. Italian Round II
Motivation - Michael refused to take no for an answer. Michael thought he had an answer that made sense- and maybe it just had to be repackaged. Joe was more aloof and soft spoken than Michael- but equally as smart and tenacious on most issues. Michael seemed less liberal and very respectful of his heritage. Joe thought he had the answers- and if he built it others would see the way. Michael and Barbara kept everything close- and appeared to be highly organized and together. Joe had to struggle with organization and let others help with the part during campaigns.