(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers.)

By Joseph A. Curtatone

A monthly look at ways to get involved with your city: Don’t just live in Somerville, be Somerville!

Join the Complete Count Effort

We are looking for members and supporting volunteers for the City’s 2020 U.S. Census Complete Count Committee. Because the census affects important issues like federal funding and representation in Congress, we want to make sure everyone is counted. The committee and supporting volunteers will especially work on outreach to under-represented communities, including recent immigrants, renters, low-income households, young children, students, and persons with disabilities. The committee will begin meeting in September 2019 and meet regularly through fall 2020. If you are interested in joining the Complete Count Committee please send a brief statement of interest, a summary of relevant qualifications and/or resume, and contact information to Community Engagement Specialist Taylor Ko at tko@somervillema.gov by close of business Monday, September 9. Please put “Complete Count Committee Member Application” in the subject line. If you would like to volunteer to support the Complete Count Committee please send your contact information and any relevant skills or interest areas (for example, event staffing, outreach, languages spoken) to tko@somervillema.gov with “Complete Count Volunteer” as the subject line. You can also find more information on the City website.

A Quick, Easy Way to Be Part of SomerVision 2040

Civic participation doesn’t always mean attending a meeting. Over the summer, staff from the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development has been at community events with their SomerVision Card Game where you can take a look at things we could measure as part of SomerVision 2040 and pick the ones that you think are most important. There are three more upcoming events they’re planning to be at, so if you’re out enjoying one of these events stop by and take a minute to help shape SomerVision 2040. You can play the SomerVision Card Game at:

• Riverfest, Saturday, September 14 in Assembly Square
• Fluff Fest, Saturday, September 21 in Union Square
• Ball Square Festival, Sunday, September 22 in Ball Square

Stay up to date on ways to participate in SomerVision 2040 by visiting www.somervision2040.com/participate.

Preliminary Municipal Election, September 10

On Tuesday, September 10, there will be a municipal preliminary election to narrow races with more than two candidates – this year Mayor and Ward 3 School Committee Member – to two for the general election. You can see a sample ballot for your Ward, find out where you vote (because of Somerville High School construction some Ward 3 voters will be voting in new locations), and read additional election information on the Elections Department website, www.somervillema.gov/elections.

Polling Place Workers Needed for Upcoming Elections

The Elections Department is looking for people interested in being polling place inspectors in the upcoming municipal elections. Inspectors do things like check voters in and out or help at the voting machine. Inspectors work from 6:30 a.m. until shortly after the polls close at 8 p.m., with a two-hour break, and will be paid $165 for the day. If you’re interested in being an inspector, please contact Maria Pierotti at 617-625-6600 ext. 4200 or mpierotti@somervillema.gov to learn more and to begin filling out personnel paperwork.

Join Somerville’s Biggest Book Club this Fall

This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the Somerville Public Library’s Somerville Reads campaign and starting September 3, copies of this year’s book – The Haunting of Hill House – will be available at all library branches. In October, the library will host a variety of activities centered around this book and participating is a great way to get to meet others in the community. Visit www.somervillepubliclibrary.org for more information and check back for a schedule of Somerville Reads events.

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