The new year brings new political power in Somerville when Ward Six Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz takes over as president of the Board of Aldermen in January.

Gewirtz, the youngest and most junior member of the board, will hopefully bring a fresh perspective to an elected body static in membership since 2006.

However, Gewirtz must also be encouraged to asses Somerville through a wide lens, taking in the concerns and experiences of a full range of Somerville residents, not just the narrow views of one small group.

She has served on the board since 2006 as the representative of a single ward in this diverse city. Here’s hoping that Gewirtz widens her perspective beyond a small clique of like minded supporters and includes all of Somerville in the issues that face us in 2011.