(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 Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

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

Don’t Forget to Vote, November 5

Remember to visit your polling place on Tuesday, November 5, to cast your ballot in the municipal election. This year there are contested races for Mayor, Councilor-at-Large, and Ward 3 School Committee. Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and if you’re not sure where you vote, you can use the address lookup tool at www.somervillema.gov/mysomerville to find out. Because of ongoing construction at Somerville High School, the polling locations for Ward 3 Precincts 1 and 2 have been relocated. Ward 3 Precinct 1 residents will vote at Properzi Manor, 13-25 Warren Ave., and Ward 3 Precinct 2 residents will vote at the Cummings School, using the entrance at 42 Prescott St. You can fine more information about the upcoming election and voting at www.somervillema.gov/elections.

Ward 4 ResiStat, October 24

Join us for the final ResiStat neighborhood meeting of the fall season in Ward 4. The meeting is at the Healey School, 5 Meacham St., from 6:30 to 8 p.m., but come at 6 to enjoy pizza and other refreshments. You can get updates on citywide issues, as well as things happening in your neighborhood and there is time before, during, and after the meeting to ask questions and talk with elected officials, City staff, and your neighbors. If you missed your Ward’s meeting this round, visit www.somervillema.gov/resistat to see a copy of the slides and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the spring schedule. A great way to find out about ResiStat and other upcoming meetings is to subscribe to our City enewsletter at www.somervillema.gov/newsletter.

Update on Tufts Partnership Agreement Negotiations Community Meeting, October 30

Get an update on negotiations with Tufts University on a partnership agreement at a community meeting on Wednesday, October 30. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at the TAB, 167 Holland St. Last year the City sough feedback from residents about they would like to see in the new partnership agreement and that information has helped to guide the current negotiations. You can learn more at www.somervillema.gov/TuftsPILOT.

Share Feedback on Community Preservation Act Funding Requests by November 1

Somerville’s Community Preservation Committee is seeking feedback on five requests for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding it received for fiscal year 2020. There were five applications submitted – three for open space projects and two for historic preservation. A portion of CPA funds will also be allocated to the Affordable Housing Trust, which will release its own call for applications later in the year. You can learn more about this year’s proposals at www.somervillema.gov/cpa. Comments on the proposals can be sent to CPA Manager Judith Tumusiime at jtumusiime@somervillema.gov by Friday, November 1.

Foss Park Community Meetings, October 30 and November 13

Join your neighbors in talking about how Foss Park can meet community needs at one of two upcoming meetings. The first is on Wednesday, October 30, and the Healey School, 5 Meacham St. and the second is on Wednesday, November 13, at the East Somerville Community School, 50 Cross St. Both meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. Although you’re welcome to attend both meetings, you won’t miss any information if you attend one. At each meeting there will be discussions held in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Kreyol, and English.

City Alerts

Get important City notifications for snow emergencies, construction, detours, and other public safety matters delivered to your phone (voice and text) and/or your email. Sign up for alerts at www.somervillema.gov/alerts.

City Newsletter 

For weekly updates on city cultural and civic events, City services, job openings, and more, sign up for the City e-newsletter at www.somervillema.gov/newsletter.

City Calendar

Look up city events and meetings (as well as agendas and minutes) 24/7 on the City calendar at www.somervillema.gov.