"I
have no intention of sugarcoating our situation," said Curtatone in his
2009 State of the City address. "…State tax revenues are down, and
our leaders on Beacon Hill are looking at cuts in local aid of up to
ten percent. Here in Somerville, that would mean a loss of five million
dollars in the current fiscal year – or three percent of our operating
budget total."

But amidst the excitement and optimism of a new
year, Curtatone stressed the positive. Somerville achieved a lot in
2008, he said, and he promised the city will continue to build on those
accomplishments in 2009 "Despite the challenges that lie before us,
this will be a happy, productive and successful year for Somerville and
its people" he said.

Even with all of the economic problems, "As
we enter 2009, our city is in better fiscal shape, with better
infrastructure, better schools, better public safety capabilities and
more extensive public services than at any time in its recent history"
said Curtatone.

"As other communities saw their credit decline
in the current market crisis, Somerville finished the year with its
highest bond rating ever!" the mayor added.

Also, instead of
cutting public safety last year, the mayor hired fourteen new police
officers and twelve new firefighters. Other accomplishments, according
to Curtatone, include expanded open space and infrastructure
improvements.

He also said Somerville will see significant
progress on a number of projects, including the Assembly Square
development. In the fall, the state designated the parks, road, transit
and utility infrastructure at Assembly Square as eligible for priority
attention and funding under part of Gov. Deval Patrick's "Growth
District Initiative." In the near future, Curtatone believes there will
be an Assembly Square Orange line stop.

A crowd packed the Aldermanic Chambers in Somerville City Hall in anticipation of the mayor's speech.

"I know that optimism and confidence are not exactly fashionable these days," he began.

"After
all, we have faced hard times before – and we have prevailed." But, he
also acknowledged that "things may get worse before they get better."

Curtatone
pointed out that the city has faced hard times before and "taken them
in our stride." It will take sacrifice, but he is confident Somerville
is strong enough to overcome difficulties.

"Tonight, I can say
to you, that Somerville is worth every sacrifice and effort we make on
her behalf," he said to strong applause.

Curtatone said he has
faith in the resiliency of Somerville because he knows that the people
who live there will fight through these hard times. The people of
Somerville just don't settle for what they have: "Above all, I am
confident that now, more than ever, Somerville is a place in which
people expect that their future will be brighter than their past." he
said.

Before Curtatone spoke, Walter F. Pero of Ward 4 was
unanimously elected the new president of the Board of Alderman and John
M. Connolly at-large was elected as vice president. Maureen Bastardi of
Ward 1 was elected as chairwoman of the school committee and Mark
Niedergang of Ward 5 was tapped as vice-chair of the school committee.

"What
we accomplished in 2008 makes me confident that in 2009 we will be
successful and prepared for anything," said Bastardi. "… We will not
cut back on our goals."