Mayor Curtatone voiced strong opposition to the Board of Alderman plan for campaign finance reform, suggesting that he would veto the law if necessary.

Mayor Curtatone voiced strong opposition to the Board of Alderman plan for campaign finance reform, suggesting that he would veto the law if necessary.

By Jim Clark

The Board of Alderman voted on a long-discussed law that would limit campaign contributions by property developers to $250, compared to the current limit of $500, at last week’s general meeting on Thursday. The law affects those who develop 10,000 square feet or more in the city.

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Prepared to set a precedent?

On April 16, 2014, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

BOA considers next move on fossil-fuel divestment petition
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fossil_webBy David R. Smith

There isn’t a precedent to go by on what happens if a board of aldermen, selectmen or city council catches the attention of the state Ethics Commission in voting for its retirement board to divest of any investments connected to the fossil-fuel industry, so members of Somerville’s BOA will have to decide whether they want to be that precedent and accept any consequences that may come.

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Our View of the Times – April 16

On April 16, 2014, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

powderhouse_viewThe fines from the state Ethics Commission usually hits a high of a few thousand dollars in the case of the most egregious, flagrant and unapologetic of conflict-of-interest violations.

And that’s when someone is being super-obviously sketchy to the 100th degree.

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