As with most workplaces in the public and private sectors, some people come and go, moving on to greener pastures, and others spend their entire working career in service to the city. In practically every instance, they make an impact and work hard. This city has been blessed for the most part with a long list of former and present employees who have made a difference, who have stood out amongst their peers. Two such men have made a distinct impact on the people who live and work here, both leaving this past week – both moving on to further their careers elsewhere. Both men have been here only a relatively short period of time, but have had a massive impact in their respective positions in city government.

Tom Champion has been the 'Voice of Somerville' – creating own cult following in the public eye as the Director of Communications for the City of Somerville with the now infamous robo-calls to the community, especially when there has been snow emergencies called. His job, at the beginning and the end of the day, was to be the voice of Mayor Curtatone's administration – with his own personalized blend of intelligence, humor and cunning. All good traits when trying to perform well in his job, and perform well he did.

He isn't moving from Somerville, as some people do when they are offered a job they just can't refuse. Tom will remain here and will certainly not fade from memory anytime soon, and that's a good thing. If we were to suggest anything to Joe Curtatone at this point, it would be to let Tom continue to be the voice behind the snow emergency robo-calls. That would be a classy thing to do and something that would be remembered for many years. We wish Tom good luck in his new job and we are sure we will see him again soon.

Anthony Holloway has been the Chief of Police for the last two years, after a controversial lead-up to his hiring. People were, for the most part, unsure if he would be a good match coming from Florida. How wrong they were, as he hit the ground running – and spending an extraordinary amount of time making sure everyone, everywhere in this city knew who he was, and what he had in store for the Somerville Police Department.

Changes came, again with some skepticism at times from the general public, and time and time again, Chief Holloway stuck to his guns, explained over and over to anyone who would listen what his vision was, and pushed change into a police force that has always done more with less. He took great care to make sure the public was being serviced and protected in every possible way – from residents in elderly housing, to students in our public schools – and of course, everyone in between.

Chief Holloway made sure that advances came at a sharp, but publicly subtle pace from within the Police Department. He made it known that problems with gang violence and crime would be addressed in a strong and professional way. There are some people who may have never liked him, but everyone respected his completely professional approach to a difficult and very responsible job. He has gone back to Florida, and will further and most likely finish his career there – and his legacy will be felt for a long time. His shoes, although were only here for a short period of time, will certainly be hard to fill – and we wish him and his family good luck in the future.