Entrepreneur and Community Advocate Calls for Bold, Action-Oriented Leadership

Jason Mackey has officially launched his campaign for Mayor of Somerville, pledging to bring decisive leadership, innovative solutions, and a results-driven approach to city government.

“Somerville deserves leadership that delivers — not just talks,” said Mackey. “For too long, critical issues like housing affordability, transportation, and public safety have been met with half measures and delays. I’m running to change that. This city needs a mayor who will tackle problems head-on and get things done.”

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The City of Somerville is looking for community members to help test an innovative, non-toxic approach to reducing the local rat population.

In partnership with the Cambridge Public Health Department and Cambridge Inspectional Services, Somerville is participating in a Rodent Fertility Control Study using Evolve, a hormonal fertility control product designed to humanely curb rat reproduction. This study aims to determine whether Evolve is an effective long-term solution in dense urban areas like Somerville while reducing reliance on traditional rat poisons, which can harm other wildlife such as birds, cats, and foxes.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Back in the days of ample parking spaces every square had a “five and dime” store.

In Davis Square there we’re two, Woolworths and Grants. I started as a stock boy and worked my way up to the luncheonette making grilled cheeses, hot dogs and ice cream treats. Let’s toss around some memories of those stores of yore.

Join a community panel, take a virtual tour, and explore black voices

Black History Month is a time for reflection, celebration, and learning, and this year, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) are inviting the community to join a series of events designed to engage, inspire, and connect the Somerville community. 

The latest Federal immigration policies are proving to have a significantly adverse effect on small businesses in East Somerville. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Carlie Lombardi

On Thursday, February 13, the Somerville City Council held a meeting to discuss the impact of the new federal immigration policies. The council discussed the concerns from East Somerville’s small business community, which is facing challenges due to these policies.

Bids are being accepted for improvements to the lighting on Somerville’s Community Path. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Jeffrey Shwom

The unlit stretches of the Somerville Community Path Extension on both sides of East Somerville Station may see a brighter tomorrow, as the City of Somerville closed solicitations by contractors to install nighttime lighting. According to the Closed Bids listed on The Procurement and Contracting Services Division’s website, solicitation for “Community Path Extension – Additional Lighting” along a half mile stretch is under review.

The Somerville Police Department (SPD) has produced a list of unclaimed bicycles that are currently being stored at SPD headquarters located at 220 Washington St. Any owner of an unclaimed bicycle who seeks to reclaim it is encouraged to contact Somerville Police at 617-625-1600 as soon as possible. Bicycles remaining in the possession of SPD will be treated as municipal property and will be disposed of in any manner consistent with city surplus property and MGL c. 30B § 15, including but not limited to disposition at less than fair market value to a charitable organization.

(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)

Dear Editor,

Somerville residents, your generosity in 2024 was extraordinary! Together, you donated over 875 thousand pounds of clothing and household goods to Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, a community-based nonprofit organization.