Work will focus on recruitment, the appointment process, and barriers to serving on boards and commissions

In an effort to diversify the city’s boards and commissions and provide equitable opportunity for residents to participate, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne announced plans to address barriers to serving on Somerville’s boards and commissions through a comprehensive reevaluation process that will result in both amended and new standard processes.

— Photo courtesy of Google Street View

By Fernando Cervantes Jr.

On February 7, Somerville Public Schools (SPS) hosted their monthly School Committee meeting.

The meeting revolved mainly on the Superintendents efforts regarding diversity and Black History Month.

“Bittersweet” curators Jose Falconi and Santiago Montoya.

By Ryan DiLello

On Monday evening, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jose Falconi and Santiago Montoya, the curators of a recent exhibit at the Somerville Museum, titled Bittersweet. Originally from Peru, Falconi is a Professor of Art and Human Rights at the University of Connecticut. Santiago Montoya is a Colombian artist and entrepreneur.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and City of Somerville staff invite you to attend the second community meeting to discuss 90 Washington Street, a 4-acre site near the East Somerville Green Line station envisioned as the future home of a new Public Safety Building and a range of civic, commercial, and residential spaces. The meeting will take place virtually on Wednesday, February 16, at 6:00 p.m. To learn more and register to attend, go to somervillema.gov/90washington.

By Kyle Dante

On February 10, 2022, the Somerville City Council unanimously changed the Committee on Equity, Gender, Families, and Vulnerable Populations to the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families, and Vulnerable Populations.

The ruling also led to two approved additions: creating a senior liaison and subcommittee for older adults. The liaison is intended for the benefit of Somerville residents at the minimum age of 65 years and older. Also, the special subcommittee concerns the issues of older adults.

(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 Ken Brociner

While I realize that it’s possible that no one thought twice about something I wrote about Joe Curtatone in my last column, I regretted it immediately after seeing it in print on December 22. And I am not referring to an overly harsh comment I directed at our former mayor. Not at all. As you can see, what I said was actually in praise of Curtatone’s stewardship of Somerville during the 18 years he was mayor. 

Eagle Feathers #247 – They Were There

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

Thirty-seven of today’s United States were not involved in our eight-year Revolutionary War because they didn’t exist at that time. The fortitude of those original colonies forged the existence of those who followed and allowed them to enjoy our bountiful country today. Only thirteen experienced it. Massachusetts was the first. After victory, their hard-fought seeds of freedom were spread from coast to coast.

The Presidents Day holiday puts us in mind of those great leaders who governed us throughout our country’s tumultuous history: The American Revolution, the Civil War, two world wars, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights movement, Vietnam, and so on.

Greatness was thrust upon certain holders of that office by events that shaped their legacies, while others are relegated to general obscurity due to a lack of conflict and controversy during their times in office. Each one’s tenure in office should be regarded as equally important. In as much as big events could have elevated their place in history at a moment’s notice.