Sullivan reflects on year of presidency; successes in public safety and the environment

By Mia Lamar As Alderman at Large Dennis M. Sullivan's one-year appointment as President of the Board of Aldermen comes to an end, he reflected last week upon closing a year of leadership and service that he praised as "inclusionary," and with many successes. Speaking before The Somerville News staff at a contributor's meeting last Friday, Sullivan remarked upon the goals he set out in accepting the presidency last year - and the developments made in the year since. At the inaugural ceremony last January, Sullivan declared his commitment to public safety and "re-establishing community policing." As President of the Board this year, Sullivan approved the hiring of 14 new Police Officers and 12 new Firefighters. He also authorized funding for the creation of East and West Somerville Police substations and the operation of Engine 4 Fire Station, initiatives also outlined in his inaugural address last January. "Those are things I'm most proud of," he said. He also spoke of accomplishments in environmentalism and sustainability, including the addition of four Smart Cars to the fleet of city-operated vehicles, the institution of a recycling program at City Hall, and the Board's ordinance for the recycling of plastic bags in stores larger than 5,000 square feet. "We've got to do everything we can do," said Sullivan. As a former member of the School Committee, Sullivan began his tenure as president with the explicit priority to "lead this Board to the complete rebuilding of a new efficient and revitalized school," for those students displaced by the "devastating" fire at the East Somerville Community School. In comments delivered to this newspaper, Sullivan wrote he has since received "periodic updates on the East Somerville Community School and approved funding for expert analysis and demolition." In comments at last week's contributor's meeting, he also remarked there has been recent favorable progress made in the rebuilding of ESCS. "I think we will have some great news," he said, without remarking further. Turning to economic conditions, Sullivan praised the "fiscal restraint," of the city's leadership in the past year. Acknowledging "the economy is hurting a lot of people," he said the city "is doing a better job than most communities." He said still worries about mid-year state funding cuts, and possible state tax initiatives such as the raising of a meal tax, which could further hurt struggling businesses in developing areas like Union Square. "I recognize the need for personal revenue," he said, "but one or two percent could really hurt them." As his presidency ends, Sullivan said he has truly enjoyed the intimate connection he has formed with many of the city's residents and public servants. He reflected upon occasions riding alongside safety officers, "to understand what they are facing...what tools they need," and his "Neighborhood Office Hours" - "in your backyard" community hearings he has famously held throughout the city. Sullivan said he looks forward to continuing to serve as a member of the Board of Alderman, and has yet another list of resolutions for the city's next year.