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An Open Letter to Mayor Curtatone:

An economically diverse community stimulates creativity, vitality and is essential to the functioning of the community. Clearly, economic diversity is one of the most important reasons that Somerville is such a desirable place to live.

As there have been unremitting financial pressures which adversely impact our economic diversity, it is essential that we immediately institute policies which will stem this unfortunate trend.

Toward this end, I would like to suggest that Somerville consider defining some occupations as “essential to the functioning of our city.” This would include, but not be limited to postal workers, all people who are employed by the City of Somerville, and some employees who work for businesses who contract predominantly with the City of Somerville.

IF a person:

1. Works full-time in an occupation which is designated as “essential to the functioning of our city”
2. Has state taxable income and total wealth which is less than 50% of the median Somerville resident
3. Is the recipient of no housing subsidies or allowances
4. Promises to physically live in Somerville at least 11 months/year
5. Owns no real estate

THEN, that person would be classified as an “essential city employee” and this designation would qualify them to rent or purchase one of Somerville’s “affordable” housing units.

An economically diverse Somerville will benefit all Somervillians.

Hayward Zwerling
Somerville