As part of ‘Our Voices, Our Vote,’ a civic participation campaign, Centro Presente is holding an Electoral Forum to hear from local candidates on the issues of concern to the community of Somerville, to talk about how to increase civic participation in the city, and to educate ourselves about the next electoral process.
When: Wednesday, October 7th at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Somerville Council Ralph and Jenny Memorial Building, 9 New Washington St., Somerville
This event is cosponsored by the Welcome Project and supported by the Somerville Community Corporation (SCC).
Elected Officials and candidates confirmed:
John M. Connolly (Alderman At Large)
Rebekah L. Gewirtz (Alderwoman)
Luis Morales (Candidate for Alderman At Large)
Walter Pero (Alderman)
William M. Roche (Alderman)
Dennis Sullivan (Alderman)
Tom Taylor (Alderman)
William A. White (Alderman at Large)
Mark Niedergang (School Committee Member)
James A. Norton (School Committee Member)
Christine T. Rafal (Candidate for School Committee, Ward 4)
The issue of civic participation among immigrants raises important questions about how well American democracy is responding to this rapidly growing part of the population. Centro Presente has many members that are now US citizens who can participate in the electoral process. The organization wants to encourage, educate and organize its members to use their individual and collective power to take part in the democratic process to improve their lives and the lives of their families.
«Because we recognize that the civic participation of immigrants is a key component in the broader, long term movement for social justice, this year Centro Presente, launched a local campaign to increase civic participation and immigrant influence in local politics in Somerville and other cities where our members live,» stated Patricia Montes, Executive Director of Centro Presente.
