Curry's Backers File Suit Against Foe's Eligibility

A taxpayer's suit was filed yesterday to challenge the eligibility of Joseph A. DeGuglielmo '29 to become Cambridge's city manager. A hearing will be held Monday at 9:30 a.m. in the Middlesex Superior

The suit alleges that DeGuglielmo's election to the Democratic City Committee primary disqualifies him because the City charter prohibits any person holding "elective" office from becoming manager. The suit also says that because the Democratic City Committee appoints three members of the Election Commission, DeGuglielmo's post entails as well as party responsibilities.

DeGuglielmo is currently the chairman of the Democratic City Committee. His resignation -- he reportedly will drop the job soon -- will not nullify the suit, because the charter imposes a two-year waiting period between the time when a man can hold "elective" office and the when he can become manager.

DeGuglielmo is reported confident that the legal obstacles to his eligibility will be swept aside. A number of other observers also believe that the Court will not interpret a party post as an "elective"

DeGuglielmo has not yet officially moved into the city manager's office. Despite a vote in January naming him manager, the council plans to take another vote on appointment.

That vote was originally scheduled for last night, but was deferred until a special meeting of the Council at 10 this morning. At last night's meeting, however the Council did reject "reconsideration of Wednesday's motion to dismiss John J. Curry '19, thereby making final Curry's removal.