Mayor Curtatone’s public statement calling for leniency for the so-called “Somerville 18” protesters last week took many people by surprise, to say the least.

Some were outraged by the statement. Many consider the protester’s actions last January – blocking traffic on Interstate 93 – a criminal act. Others are more forgiving, citing the importance of such instances of civil disobedience as a means to inform and persuade the public and legal authorities when an issue is perceived to be important enough to do so.

Some have condemned the mayor, accusing him of grandstanding for political gain, while others agree with him and praise the stand he has taken in making that appeal to the D.A.’s office.

It is clearly an issue that has sharply divided most of us, even though there are many who are unsure of what course of action the legal system should pursue in dealing with the defendants in the case.

Hardliners are demanding severe punishment, maintaining that an example should be made of the errant protesters, while those with opposing points of view point to the relative harmlessness of the incident and believe that the defendant’s youth should be taken into account.

Ultimately, it will still be up to the District Attorney’s office to decide what course of action it shall follow.

The mayor’s opinion has been expressed and it has been heard. In the end, it is but one person’s opinion. That this person happens to be the chief administrator of our city and represents us as such has escaped no one’s attention. We shall see how it all plays out, for better or worse.