The Somerville News Blog

News Talk

The games people play never change—just the players. At a recent public hearing regarding the Conwell School site development, it was interesting to sit in the audience and listen to the various committee members discuss not just the amount of money needed by the City in the short run, but also how this project would impact the school system. When did this become an anti-family community? It became apparent that night that certain elected officials and committee members are very antifamily from the questions they were posing and the comments they made. Mark our words—a developer that won’t be selling to families will be chosen for this project—and we will enjoy taking those to task for their comments that night and their subsequent actions. We have heard of anti-family residents filtering into the community over the years, which is fine—but our elected officials now too? The first project to be rejected was probably the most family-oriented one, put forth by the Somerville Community Corp. With three proposals left, who wants to wager that the VNA project is the one picked? Create more brand new elderly complexes—don’t encourage young families to move here—nice work!

City refinances with improved outlook

by Neil W. McCabe

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced the city realized more than $800,000 in present value savings by exercising a one-time chance last week to refinance some of its outstanding bonds.

“Our strong fiscal management and our push for economic development at Assembly Square, combined with the low interest rate environment allowed us to realize this windfall,” the mayor said.

City police officers recognized for heroism

by Amber n. Johns

Seven police officers were recognized for superior performance of duty by the department March 5.

“The Somerville Police Department takes great pride in commending Capt. Daniel Matthews, Sgt. Dan Cotter and officers James Slattery, Sean Sylvester, David Monte, Sean Sheehan and Scott Gamble for their actions Feb. 16,” said Lt. Michael S. Cabral, the department’s awards coordinator.

The View from Prospect Hill

For those who followed it closely, the constitutional convention at the statehouse on Thursday offered an enlightening primer on procedural tactics.

Legislators in favor of gay marriage voted repeatedly for an amendment that bans it. Legislators mortally opposed to according same-sex couples civil-union status rallied around to save an amendment that grants such unions the full benefits of marriage.

Reality Bites

Violence -- A review for the emotionally self-serving parent

by James Norton

You hear about violence everywhere today – on TV, in the Movies – glorified by popular singers – you can’t get away from it. There are two widely known and generally accepted schools of thought about violence and how it affects our kids – some parents either try to limit their children’s exposure to it, or they just let the children find out for themselves and make their own decisions. They’re both WRONG. That worked for my generation and my parents - those of us over 35 years of age - because that’s how we learned – by making mistakes – a trial and error kind of social development.

Reality TV hits Somerville

by Neil W. McCabe

A deaf teenage resident of the Somerville Housing Authority helped remodel his bedroom in tribute to the Boston Celtics Feb 10 and 11 for an episode of the ABC Family program “Knock First.”

“The experience was great,” said Sergio Merry, the teenager, through a sign interpreter.

News Talk

Wow, what a two weeks this has been. From mild weather to auctioning off the City vehicles, this city saw its share of craziness in the last 14 days.

Scirocco busted for underage drinking party

by Reem A. Abu-Libdeh, Assistant Editor

A Somerville resident was charged with selling and delivering alcohol to a minor, illegally selling alcohol and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Lt. Paul R. Trant said Richard Scirocco, 37, of 10 Howe Street was arrested after Somerville Police Department received a call at 1:14 a.m. on Feb. 22 reporting a large group of kids fighting at Medford Street and Thurston Street.

The Passion of the Red Sox Fan

Kennedy blasts Bush's lack of Pryor approval

By Neil W. McCabe

In a Feb. 20 statement to the Somerville News, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., blasted a recent judicial appointment by President George W. Bush of William Pryor the federal bench.

“This is an outrageous appointment, of a nominee who has
questionable commitment to the authority of the Supreme Court and the rule of law,” Kennedy said.