By Rick Winterson

     Dave Littlefield is the owner and proprietor of Salsa’s , the popular Mexican food restaurant in South Boston.  He feels the voters need to get more personally acquainted with local political candidates, so he has come up with an idea for this year’s election season.  Two “meet the candidates” nights will be held at Salsa’s over the next ten days:  Jim Kelly will host an evening at Salsa’s on Friday, October 28; Michael Flaherty will be the host on Friday, November 4.  The times for both candidates’ nights will be from 7:30 ‘til 8:30 p.m.

     Jim Kelly is running for City Councilor from District Two, which includes all of South Boston.  Michael Flaherty is campaigning for one of the four Councilor-at-Large seats.  Both Kelly and Flaherty are really looking forward to meeting what Dave Littlefield calls, “The great, great Salsa’s clientele – they’re like family to me.”

     Both evenings will be casual; neither one is a political fundraiser.  Dave hopes the evenings will lead to conversations with Kelly and Flaherty, instead of the usual question-and-answer format.  You don’t have to agree with either candidate – just get to know them.  You will find both men are likable and interesting when you meet them in person in relaxed surroundings.

     Dave is especially hopeful that the newer residents of South Boston will come to the candidates’ nights.  Newcomers are more than welcome, and will have the opportunity to meet some longer-term South Bostonians, along with the candidates.  And everyone who attends can order the best Mexican (not Tex-Mex) food in the area.

     Dave is also trying to set up a candidate’s night with Mayor Menino.  Stay tuned.