Harrington and Lane have each
worked for the Recreation Department for over twenty years, working
with multiple generations of Somerville kids in a variety of
after-school programs including girls athletics. Several former
students came back to Somerville to help support the pair. "I grew up
in Somerville–she was always a part of my life," said Vicky Palmacci
speaking of Karen Harrington. "She got me playing basketball, got me
coaching basketball, and, as I got older, helped me get a job, helped
me start my life, and helped me direct myself toward college. In
another situation, that wouldn't have happened."

After entering
the Aldermen's Committee Room, the present and former Somerville
students in attendance had to patiently wait for their opportunity to
state their case. Sitting through the latter half of next year's school
budget meeting and the potential cutbacks in that arena set a difficult
stage for 12 year old Jennifer Leone and her friends as they delivered
their speeches to the Aldermen. Leone reminded the group that the
impending layoffs would effect more than the two people directly
involved. "When you people were looking to layoff," said Leone, "I
don't think you people were looking at how many little kids, preteens,
and teenagers you were cutting programs for. What would you rather see
kids do, paint, play sports, or be in their house or maybe even getting
into trouble outside? These programs are very important and people love
to go because of Karen and Carol. Everyone would hate to see them go.
They are a part of Somerville."

Some parents and students admit
that they understand the need for cuts, but are confused on the why
Karen Harrington and Carol Lane were the ones to be layed off. "I
understand that there are cuts and layoffs," said one resident before
the march, "but there are other people that are [in that department]
that make more money that haven't been there as long. If you are going
to do it by money, then do it by money. If you are going to do it by
seniority, then do it by seniority. We just want it to be fair."
Organizers of the march passed out pamphlets that showed the years of
service and the 2008 salary information of all Recreation employees
making over $50,000 a year.

The Board of Aldermen seemed
genuinely moved by the show of support and were equally inspired by the
youth of Somerville participating so actively in the democratic
process. Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz and Ward 7 Alderman Bob Trane
were among those commending the kids and supporting their cause. "There
are a lot of programs that they run that the kids just love," said
Alderman Trane in a separate interview. "I think that it is very
important to have a staff on hand, and, to me, Karen is a critical part
of that mission."

The impending difficulty for those who support
Harrington and Lane is that the Board of Aldermen does not have the
power to reverse a budgetary decision. "Some people think we can
restore funding," said Alderman Trane. "Unfortunately we can't If we
cut money out, we can make a recommendation of what we think we can do
with that money, but that is the Mayor's decision. It goes back to the
Mayor."

As speeches were cut short on Thursday, supporters of
Harrington and Lane returned on Monday during the Board of Aldermen's
public forum to continue their fight. As of yet, no budgetary decisions
have been made pertaining to the Recreation Department.