(From the city of Somerville)

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and his wife Nancy attended a gathering at the White House Thursday, during which he praised President Obama for striking a bipartisan agreement to extend middle class tax cuts and restore unemployment benefits. The visit is the latest in a series of trips to the White House for Mayor Curtatone in 2010, which included participation in events and discussions surrounding the First Lady’s “Let’s Move!” initiative. Curtatone provided remarks during the initiative’s nationwide launch in February.

“The important thing to remember as a leader is to fight for the things that are most important and President Obama did exactly that with this deal,” Mayor Curtatone said. “In this fragile economy it is essential that middle and working class Americans not get hit with a tax increase. To his credit, the President realized their needs were paramount and he was not willing to hold them hostage. Likewise, the extension of unemployment benefits is critical to help American families struggling to get back on their feet. That money will keep roofs over their heads, food on their tables and hope in their hearts. That money also will flow directly into the local economies of places like Somerville, helping entire communities to rebound. President Obama prioritized standing up for the American people over political infighting, demonstrating the maturity and leadership that has this country once again moving in the right direction.”

Curtatone and his wife were invited to the White House this week for a holiday reception with President and Mrs. Obama, and elected officials from across the country.

Following the White House visit, Mayor Curtatone will embark on a brief visit to Casablanca and Tiznit, Morocco. After attending and presenting best practices at a United States and Arab Leadership conference in Casablanca, the Mayor will meet with leaders in the community of Tiznit to finalize the latest in a series of Sister Cities relationships around the world. In 2009, representatives from the business and arts communities, and Somerville Public Schools teachers joined the Mayor in an inaugural visit to Tiznit.

“2010 has been a year of progress for the City of Somerville,” Curtatone said in a statement. “We have made great strides in a number of areas, including extending our Shape Up Somerville program and working with First Lady Michelle Obama on the Let’s Move! campaign, as well as forging relationships with several new communities around the world – including cities in Portugal and Morocco,” said Mayor Curtatone. “I am excited to continue working with our new partners in 2011, and look forward to the new opportunities these relationships will bring.”