The View From Prospect Hill for July 8

It seems odd all the crazy weather we have been having lately. The good news is that a lot of the fighting amongst the different political sects in the city has quieted down some - maybe that's because there is no primary election locally, maybe that's because the craziness of the budget has passed, maybe people have taken a well deserved vacation - who knows what the reasons are, frankly. Some smaller, more fractional people in various groups will always sit in the corner and bang on their gong to a negative beat, no matter how many times you have proven them wrong, no matter how many times they make themselves look like unintelligent buffoons. And that's a shame, because even though the economy isn't so great, there is plenty to be thankful for here in Somerville. We have great schools, plenty of police and fire protection, vibrant squares and thoroughfares - we even still continue to have one of the most ethnically diverse cities in New England, if not the country. Rock groups come to play and hang out in our squares, the movie industry has premieres and shoots films and commercials here - we have more artists per capita than anywhere else in the country, New York city excepted. What we also have close by is unbelievably easy access to the best higher learning institutions and medical facilities in the world. Let's not forget the history of our city too - it is all around us - so much so, that we sometimes overlook the importance our little city played in the formation of our country. Which brings us around to sense of community. We have said it dozens of times - as residents of this great city, we are very proud of the overwhelming sense of pride Somerville exudes. It has erased the stigma of old and replaced it with a beaming reputation for leading-class civic engagement, well-oiled government operation, extraordinary transparency across the board and recognition as a leader amongst communities nationwide. We owe a lot of this to a whole range of people - especially Mayor Joe Curtatone, his administration and staff and everyone from the private and business sectors that have stepped up and literally put their money where their mouths are. The Memorial Day Parade and the Independence Day Fireworks and Celebration are just two shining examples of how we can utilize local resources and display our sense of community pride without using city money. Some say that celebrating when times are tough is in poor taste - well to us that's rubbish - it is this bringing together of people that makes us stronger, that ensures our future and that gives us hope and the courage to pull through difficult economic conditions. We have a rich and vibrant and diverse community we can be say we are proud to live and work in - and that's a lot better than many other places in this country, so why shouldn't we embrace it? Now if the rain could go away for a few days...