On December 14, Governor Mitt Romney will take the first backward step in weaseling out of his promise to the city of Somerville.

        Back when the Big Dig was improving Route 93 – a highway that has only added to the growing pollution and decay of the entire city – the state of Massachusetts promised Somerville improved rapid transit.

Existing train tracks and conventional wisdom pointed to a Green Line extension from Lechmere station to either Ball or Union Squares. Such an extension would have meant a sharp increase in the two long overlooked commercial neighborhoods along with a sharp decrease in the frighteningly high levels of air pollution Somerville residents inhale every day. Two welcome prospects.

        But today is a new day. Romney’s in. Somerville’s out. Crackdown on gays, health care, education and people in the city.

        The first major move in the Romney crackdown on Somerville comes December 14 at the State House. At 1 p.m., a meeting will be held under the golden dome in Gardner Auditorium to begin the process of changing the Environmental Protection Agency laws that required the state to fund rapid transit in order to cut down on air pollution.

        For the last thirty years Somerville has continually suffered so that commuters from the outer suburbs could have an easier drive to work. Train tracks have damaged the fabric of our neighborhoods more than any other city in the state. Yet we only have one train station.

When the state finally offers a reasonable solution, Marauding Mitt swoops into power and snatches the necessary money from our hands.

Why have more affluent towns further from Boston continually found favor with the MBTA and the state? Better representation.

And that is why this fight can be different. There are many city officials such as Bill White and Denise Provost who see the pressing need for better rapid transit. Meanwhile, elected state officials such as Jarret Barrios and Charlie Shannon are active, powerful members of a state senate with an overwhelming Democratic advantage. And most importantly, there are many private citizens, such as Joe Lynch and Wig Zamore, who realize that strong advocacy from politicians is not enough.

If  Somerville turns back the Governor’s vicious attack on the hearts and lungs of its people, it will be because of the outpour of protest from citizens who refuse to let Mitt get away with another snub of their city.

If you care about the future of the city you call home, show up at the Gardner Auditorium of the State House at 1 p.m. on Tuesday December 14^th. If that is not possible because of work considerations, here are two good people to contact who can tell you how to make your voice heard on the matter:

Jarret Barrios

State House Room 309

Boston, MA 02133

Tel: 617 722-1650

        Charles E. Shannon

        State House Room 511A

        Boston, MA 02133

        Tel. (617)-722-1578

        The Somerville News has learned that Sen. Shannon has been diagnosed with Myelodisplastic Syndrome, a disorder in a spectrum of diseases including leukemia.

        The Senator has survived cancer twice already and has said he is prepared to hit the mats with the beast again.

        It’s that type of tenacity of spirit he brings to the floor of the Senate every session. He’s filing 21 new acts and re-filing 32 older acts this year. His drive is remarkable.

        The same courage and bravery he calls on to confront his personal challenges he calls on in his representation of his constituents.

        There is something to be said about survivors. They do more than just survive: they inspire all of us to try and then try again, to live now and to acknowledge the good that always, always emerges from the shadows of despair.

        And that’s the foundation of his character. A character that we should all be thankful is representing this city in the best and worst of situations.

        Best of Luck Senator Shannon. Our hearts are with you.