Speaking before The
Somerville News staff at a contributor's meeting last Friday, Sullivan
remarked upon the goals he set out in accepting the presidency last
year – and the developments made in the year since.

At the
inaugural ceremony last January, Sullivan declared his commitment to
public safety and "re-establishing community policing." As President of
the Board this year, Sullivan approved the hiring of 14 new Police
Officers and 12 new Firefighters. He also authorized funding for the
creation of East and West Somerville Police substations and the
operation of Engine 4 Fire Station, initiatives also outlined in his
inaugural address last January.

"Those are things I'm most proud of," he said.

He
also spoke of accomplishments in environmentalism and sustainability,
including the addition of four Smart Cars to the fleet of city-operated
vehicles, the institution of a recycling program at City Hall, and the
Board's ordinance for the recycling of plastic bags in stores larger
than 5,000 square feet.

"We've got to do everything we can do," said Sullivan.

As
a former member of the School Committee, Sullivan began his tenure as
president with the explicit priority to "lead this Board to the
complete rebuilding of a new efficient and revitalized school," for
those students displaced by the "devastating" fire at the East
Somerville Community School.

In comments delivered to this
newspaper, Sullivan wrote he has since received "periodic updates on
the East Somerville Community School and approved funding for expert
analysis and demolition." In comments at last week's contributor's
meeting, he also remarked there has been recent favorable progress made
in the rebuilding of ESCS.

"I think we will have some great news," he said, without remarking further.

Turning
to economic conditions, Sullivan praised the "fiscal restraint," of the
city's leadership in the past year. Acknowledging "the economy is
hurting a lot of people," he said the city "is doing a better job than
most communities." He said still worries about mid-year state funding
cuts, and possible state tax initiatives such as the raising of a meal
tax, which could further hurt struggling businesses in developing areas
like Union Square.

"I recognize the need for personal revenue," he said, "but one or two percent could really hurt them."

As
his presidency ends, Sullivan said he has truly enjoyed the intimate
connection he has formed with many of the city's residents and public
servants. He reflected upon occasions riding alongside safety officers,
"to understand what they are facing…what tools they need," and his
"Neighborhood Office Hours" – "in your backyard" community hearings he
has famously held throughout the city. Sullivan said he looks forward
to continuing to serve as a member of the Board of Alderman, and has
yet another list of resolutions for the city's next year.