Somerville wins the All America City award

A City effort made Somerville one of the All American Cities chosen by the National Civic League Photos by Delio Susi By Julia Fairclough A winning combination of improving public transportation, working to reduce substance abuse amongst the city's youth and innovations to streamline communication with the city earned Somerville the "All America City" award this week. The last time Somerville won the prestigious award-given by the National Civic League-was in 1972, a time which some say mirrors this current age of new reforms, innovations and getting through tough times. Somerville was a finalist in this competition last year, but fell just short-coming in 11th place-of winning a place on the top 10 communities list. "Tough times don't last, but tough people do," said Alderman at Large Jack Connolly, who was among the 40 Somerville residents (ranging from ages 17 to 79, representing the high school, non profits, business and city officials) who flew to Tampa, FL this week to demonstrate why Somerville ranks above the rest. "No matter how tough it is with the recession, we have seen how people in this community really care." Mayor Joseph Curtatone added that during tough times when people are stressed is when people really come together. He also attributed Somerville's prestigious recognition to its residents. "The wonderful thing about Somerville is that there are so many engaged citizens who want to make the community better," Curtatone said, "And we've had that for decades." The National Civic League is a non-profit organization that fosters innovative city building and reform. The All America City award since 1949 has recognized the efforts of extraordinary communities. Each year the National Civic League honors ten communities for effectively addressing their most critical challenges. The overall theme Somerville chose was "Improved Communication." The city highlighted its commitment to the MBTA's Green Line extension through Somerville (which will be complete in 2014); the efforts of the Somerville Care about Prevention program to educate about and prevent substance abuse amongst the city's youth and the adoption of "SomerStat," the 311 hot line number initiative that streamlines how the public communicates with the city's offices. "We have learned how to communicate, and to do it well," Connolly said, pointing out that 50 languages alone are spoken in the hallways of Somerville High School. The city has always enjoyed a diverse population, but over the past couple decades the influx of people from all over the globe has accelerated at an unbelievable pace. And the city has met and exceeded those needs. "We have changed the image of the city by responding to the diverse population that lives here," he said. Gene Brune, who was the mayor from 1980 to 1990, remembers when the city won the award 37 years ago. At that time he was an Alderman; Lester Ralph was the mayor. The city back then had gone through some tough times, marked by political unrest in the 1960s and an administration that was not as "community oriented," Brune said. Ralph introduced new ideas and got away from the "business as usual" type of mentality. Brune himself was one of the reform candidates who believed in new programs and grass roots organizations. The city applied for the All American City award, and won. "It brought a new spirit to the city," said Brune, likening that era to today, where Curtatone is the "new blood" who has infused the city with innovative programs like 311 and keeping the extensive Green Line program on track. "The cycle has begun again," Brune added, "And this will be very meaningful to the city to instill more pride." Somerville representatives flew to Tampa last Wednesday for the three-day affair. The event included breaking up into workshops, seminars and receptions. "I will never forget the experience I had in Tampa and I'll be forever grateful to have been a part of it," said Maureen Bastardi, said Ward 1 School Committee Representative. In addition to meeting people from 28 other cities across the country and making friendships, Bastardi also got to know her fellow Somervillians better. "There wasn't an air of competition, but one of camaraderie," she said. "I've lost my voice from cheering so loudly and proudly. I always thought of Somerville as an All American City, but now we have the official title to prove it." Connolly said that the award will have a lasting impact for marketing and applications for grants and bonds for future projects. The Board of Alderman will hold a special presentation about this award just prior to convening its meeting on Thursday night.