S. Lester Ralph (1931 – 2019) was an American clergyman, attorney, and politician who served as mayor of Somerville, Massachusetts from 1970 to 1978 and Middlesex County Commissioner from 1973 to 1981.
A political novice who had never run for office before, Ralph topped the ticket in the preliminary election with 49% of the vote.
[3] In the general election, Ralph defeated former clerk of the Somerville district court Joseph Marino 75% to 25%.
However, he was able to implement a competitive bidding process for supplies in services, which resulted in the city's first revenue surplus in 10 years.
[6] That August, three previous mayors, the retired public works commissioner, and the city auditor were indicted for conspiracy and larceny.
He worked to bring the Red Line to the city, which helped revitalize Davis Square.
[11] In 1972, Ralph and Paul Tsongas were elected to the Middlesex County Commission as reform candidates.