Gewirtz, Sweeting take lead of aldermen, School Committee

At Tuesday's address, Mayor Joe Curtatone said he has no intention of slowing down. ~Photo by Andrew Firestone

By Andrew Firestone

As a new year dawned in Somerville, Mayor Joseph Curtatone promised continued progress, increased development, and a refusal to slow down the pace in spite of a sluggish economy.

“In the last 12 months, the people of Somerville have been tested with challenges of almost biblical proportions,” he said, recalling the floods, budget shortfalls, and street violence of 2010. “We have seen other cities staggered by their weight: back-pedaling on their dreams…. and reneging on their promises,” he said.

“But not here! Not in Somerville. That’s because the people who work and live in this city are tough, and strong, and smart!”

Curtatone said city government accomplishments included closing an $8 million budget gap, the implementation of new transportation infrastructure including a new Orange-line T stop at Assembly Square and a large extension of the bike-path as well as a 22 percent drop in violent crime, Curtatone called himself the proudest mayor in America.  He said he had no intention of slowing down.

Curtatone said his current plans include fighting the state’s health insurance policies to allow for lower group insurance as well as convening a Future Economies Commission made up of a diverse cross-section of Somerville “to strategize for, market to and recruit cutting edge companies in biotechnology, nanotechnology and the next generation of computer technology.”

“Is that ambitious? Of course, but if ever there was a place that should be ambitious, a place that should have the confidence that it can make its ambitions a reality, it is Somerville, Massachusetts in 2011,” he said.

He added that the alternative of cutting services was “completely unacceptable.”

Lt. Governor Timothy Murray, who praised Somerville as an example of the ideal relationship between state and local government. ~Photo by Andrew Firestone

Joining Curtatone at Monday’s innauguration was Lt. Governor Timothy Murray, who praised Somerville as an example of the ideal relationship between state and local government. He also praised Curtatone’s ability and uncompromising work-ethic. “Since he was first elected in 2003, Joe has led the city of Somerville with uncommon vision and dedication,” said Murray.

Ward Six Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz was sworn in as Board of Aldermen president and Ward Three Alderman Tom Taylor as vice president.

Gewirtz said that she believed politics and community organizing go hand-in-hand, and promised she would work to bring transparency to local government while battling “in the trenches” for affordable housing and immigrant rights.

“We will need to rely on each other to come up with the best ideas of how we will confront our challenges,” she said. “We are all here together, facing the future and all that it holds. The dreams, the realities, the good times and the bad and when we work together, we have the opportunity to make our city even better.”

Also taking on new powers was the incoming head of the School Committee, Adam Sweeting. Sweeting expounded upon the merits of the Somerville public school system which now ranks in the 90th percentile of all programs across the state.

“Other school districts have tried to stay afloat by cutting programs such as art or music, or by charging fees for extracurricular activities or athletics,” he said. “We have been able to avoid these steps in Somerville because our district is run efficiently and humanely.”

Sweeting noted that issues including the proposed solution of combining programs of the Healey school, and the looming budgetary issues would try his committee for months to come, but that the progress and potential of Somerville schools could not be understated.

Former acting chief Mike Cabral, Detective Mario Oliveira wounded in a Nov. 3 shooting and new Acting Chief Tom Pasquarello.

“Our schools are not just heading in the right direction; they have become exciting and innovative centers of learning that bring state and national attention to our city,” said Sweeting. “We cannot afford to step backwards on these gains.”

Budgetary concerns were among the most pervasive issues, as a huge fall in the State budget has led to a constantly shrinking share of local aid for Somerville. Regardless, those who spoke were uncompromising in their desire to see Somerville’s future develop. “That’s the reality we’re facing,” said Curatone. “Money is tight and tough choices must be made. But Somerville will meet the challenge.”