U.S. Representative Mike Capuano, who hopes to be the next Junior Senator from Massachusetts, is proud of his Somerville roots.  On December 8, 2009, he’ll run against 3 other Democratic candidates.  If he wins Tuesday, it’s a waltz into the end zone.

But, Somerville, MA is not the A Team when it comes to access and opportunity.

Judging by the fumbles on Election Day, 11/3/09, we can’t assume that Somerville will provide Accessible Voting on Primary Day, December 8.  Despite the fact that the Secretary of State’s Office ordered structural accessibility changes at 7 Somerville polling sites after an audit in July, a spot-check of 9 Somerville Polling sites on Election Day 2009 proved that the current Mayor’s heart is still not in the game.

Below are just 4 examples of inaccessible Polling Sites in Somerville, MA on November 3, 2009.  Perhaps there are some workable solutions to overturn this score by Tuesday.   Anyone listening, Joe?

1.  Here’s the Reilly-Brick Fire Station, 266 Broadway.  The City did resurface the driveway, per order of the SOS Office; however, they still only provided Entrance at the Door With the Seven-Inch Step.  This site serves Ward One, Precinct 3 and Ward 4, Precinct 2:

Reilly Brick-No Driveway Access Provided

2.  Here’s the Teele Square Fire Station, which serves Ward 7, Precinct 2.  The only Entrance to the Polling room has three steps to climb; the side door couldn’t be used either due to a 3.5 inch curb, cobblestones, and a door step; and, the driveway and garage were occupied by Firetrucks.  The friendly polling workers said that if someone wanted access, they’d be happy to open the garage.  But, how would they ever know anyone was out there?!  :

Teele Square Polling Site- 3 steps Up

no front access, either-Teele Square Fire Station

3.  At the Cummings School at Prescott Street, Ward 3 Precinct 2, the same crosswalk issues that have been entered into the 311 system on several occasions prove to be a deal-breaker for Voters using wheelchairs.  With no curbcut at either end of the crosswalk, and no curbcuts on the school side of the street 100 feet in either direction, this is a matter of Really Inadequate Planning.  (Isn’t this facility also used for other public programs, such as a Parent Information Center, and after school events, throughout the year?):

4.  At Ciampa Manor, Ward 6 Precinct 2, the issues do seem so easy to fix.  For example, this gate can provide a good-enough 32-inch opening, but not if 3 inches are taken up by a door-holding plant:

Ciampa Manor Gate Entry only 29 inches wide with Plant

The other planning issue was that the 2 on-street designated HP parking spots were placed farthest way instead of closest to the gate.

With all the tickets being handed out for this and for that, what should the Mayor’s penalty be for Fouling up our Equality?!