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By Mayor Katjana Ballantyne

I know many in Somerville have been watching the national news with a mix of disgust and distress. Prices continue to rise, and economic stability and critical systems and alliances appear threatened. Our federal government is actively reintroducing systemic bigotry of minority and marginalized groups. The new administration also seems fine with making life harder for people already living at the frayed end of the wage scale – or, really, all of us in the 99%. I wish I could tell you they’re going to stop, but there’s no indication they will. This is why where you live matters more than ever.

In Somerville, we categorically reject the efforts to drag this country a century backwards. We know full well that good government improves most aspects of our lives be that quality schools, traffic safety, or social and health services. We still put diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice at the forefront of everything we do.

We continue to help the people in our community who need the most help and to deliver core services to all who live, work, and do business here.  And we still treat our neighbors – everyone – with respect and dignity. None of that is going to change. But these ideas, values, and established traditions, as well as the laws and system of government that support them are under assault.

Make no mistake, the rule of law is on our side. The Constitution remains on our side. And we will not stand by and be bullied out of our rights. This week, we filed a joint lawsuit with Chelsea to defend the constitutional rights of cities – in this case, to direct local police to focus on the job they are hired and trained for, local police work, rather than accepting an unfunded and illegal man-date from Washington to take part in mass deportations.

In January, we submitted an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit to block the federal effort to end birthright citizenship, which is a right spelled out clearly in our Constitution. So far. the courts have upheld that right. We shouldn’t have to fight for state and local rights, our sovereignty, or individual rights in court, but that is what we are stepping up to do. Our nation’s rule of law was built up over centuries, and we will do our part to uphold the progress and safety woven into it.

We will do everything in our power to protect the rights of all our residents – including our immigrant and LGBTQIA+ residents, residents targeted with DEI dog whistles, and any others who are targeted now or in the days to come. To be clear, attacks on some hurt us all. This isn’t about putting one group ahead of others. It’s about our community as a whole.

It’s true, we are in uncharted territory. We don’t have all the answers, and we don’t yet know all the questions. Many of the chaotic federal actions underway seem sure to either disrupt our economy or curtail our rights and representation. So, day to day, as the City keeps picking up the trash/recycling, making sure you all have clean water, and advancing all our plans, programs, and services, we will also remain focused on this shifting landscape.

We are in ready contact with our federal and state delegations, regional and national city organizations, and economic and legal experts. We are always in touch with our neighboring cities and towns. With them, we will continually monitor and navigate what comes.

And don’t forget your own ability to make an impact. Somerville is a compassionate and caring community. We saw this during the peak of the pandemic. We see it every snowstorm. Let’s keep that community-mindedness going.

Check on your neighbors. Inject kindness where you can. Volunteer if you are able, for example, to support climate action, food access, or more. Shop and eat local: businesses across the city are hurting as people who are afraid stay home. Donate local: some of our local nonprofits too are facing threats to their federal funding.

If these are going to be hard and uncertain times, know that you are not in them alone and we are not powerless. Together, we can work to make sure that Somerville remains a place of security, sanity, and decency amidst what comes.

City programs and services:

Right now, if you are already feeling the impacts, remember as well that we have a range of city programs and services that we offer or outside services we can refer you to.

You can fill out our social services form at somervillema.gov/support. Visit our somevillehub.org site for dozens of programs that can give you some needed assistance and savings. Contact our LGBTQ+ Coordinator to check in on services and supports. Get in touch with the Council on Aging about their senior and caregiver programs. Visit our City and Schools One Somerville page at somervillema.gov/onesomerville to learn about immigrant rights and resources. Learn about utility discounts from our Sustainability and Housing staff. Contact the Office of Housing Stability for help addressing housing needs.

You can do this with “One Call to City Hall” to our 311 Constituent Services. Our 311 Customer Service Reps are wonderful people ready and waiting to connect you to the staff who can help. You can contact them by phone (311 or 617-666-3311), email, chat, via the 311 app, or online at somervillema.gov/311.