Teens talk back to city officials at Somerville Youth Summit

(Left to right): School Superintendant Tony Pierantozzi, Alderman Dennis Sullivan, Mayor Joseph Curtatone and Acting Chief of Police Michael Cabral were among the panelists at the Somerville Youth Summit, moderated by Somerville High senior Lara Jimenez. - Photo by Elizabeth Sheeran

By Elizabeth Sheeran

Somerville teens recently had the chance to say whatever they wanted to the Mayor and other local officials, and a number of them took full advantage.

A small but engaged crowd of young people showed up to the Somerville Youth Summit on September 29, to get face time with a 12-member panel that included Mayor Joe Curtatone, Acting Police Chief Michael Cabral, and other key people from city departments and organizations that touch the lives of Somerville youth. Lara Jimenez, a senior at Somerville High School, acted as moderator.

Alderman Dennis Sullivan, chair of the Youth Subcommittee, was one of several panelists who commended the young people who chose to participate in the summit, and acknowledged the challenges they face. “I think you have it tougher than when I was growing up,” said Sullivan.

Teens who stepped up to the microphone expressed their appreciation for the fact that all the panelists committed their time to the event. And they challenged the panel with questions on everything from safety concerns to recreational opportunities for the over-12 set.

“I got what I wanted to hear,” said Chiappini.

Panelists used the occasion to outline all of the resources available to the city’s young people, and invited them to stay actively engaged in their community. They also heard suggestions from teens in the audience, including expanding existing mentoring programs, and reaching out more to youth through social networking sites like Facebook.

Abdi Warsame asks a question during the recent Somerville Youth Summit.

“You’re giving us some good feedback,” said Curtatone to the young people present. “That means a lot.”

He said the city was committed to helping them be successful teens, so that they can become successful adults, who will hopefully choose to stay in Somerville. “Somerville is your city, not our city,” Curtatone said.

Abdi Warsame, a Somerville High senior who spoke up on a variety of topics during the evening, said the summit was a great idea, especially

because it gave youth the opportunity to connect with community leaders they might not otherwise get a chance to meet.

“I actually learned more than I expected to tonight,” said Warsame.

For more information about youth services in Somerville, contact Youth Programming Coordinator Nancy Bacci at 617-625-6600, extension 3314.