Many things can be seen as contributing to the rebirth and ascension of Somerville as a desirable place to live. The extension of the redline to Davis, the end of rent control in Cambridge, the election of Mike Capuano as Congressman, the first generation Somerville born college graduates who became the city leaders in the 1980’s, the defeat of John Buonomo, the exposure of Vinnie Piro …. However the foundation of this was one person … and that was S. Lester Ralph… whose unexpected election as Mayor set the groundwork and foundation that prevented Somerville from becoming another Chelsea, Revere, Lynn, or Lawrence… which it clearly was on the path to being when he was sent to us …
Gene Brune carried on the S Lester Ralph ways… but no one took him seriously since …
Mike Capuano was the first Mayor to appreciate and respect the work or Ralph.. and be able to respect the best of the Rogues who came before him…
Political toughness…
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