"We saw that in the
midst of the worst worldwide economic downturn since the great
depression, many communities stalled, or slipped backward," Curtatone
said.

"Because of the dedication and teamwork of the people in
this room, and thousands of people across this city, Somerville did not
slip backward in the face of these economic challenges … And today I
can report that our great city continues to move forward."

Among
the initiatives Curtatone named as priorities, he highlighted the fight
against the proposed Green Line maintenance facility in Brickbottom,
implementing a new recycling program and finalizing a master
development plan for the city.

After the School Committee was
sworn in, new School Committee Chair Mark Niedergang said that while
cuts and layoffs will likely be a part of the system's FY2011 budget,
the committee will do its best to keep programs in place and ensure
that the rebuilding of the East Somerville Community School begins in
2010.

"We will play whatever cards are dealt to the best of our ability," Niedergang said.

Ward
4 School Committee member Christine Rafal was the only new elected
official sworn in, having unseated Somerville News Editor James Norton
in November.