By William C. Shelton

(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)

For almost forty years, Republicans have been peddling tax-cut snake oil on the promise that it would aid the middle class while explosive economic growth would benefit all. The results have consistently been the reverse.

From the Office of Senator Patricia D. Jehlen

Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville) recently joined her Senate colleagues in voting for a comprehensive criminal justice reform package that updates decades old criminal sentencing laws to improve outcomes of our criminal justice system. The bill, S. 2185, An Act Relative to Criminal Justice Reform, passed by a vote of 27-10.

And Honoring Somerville’s Veterans of the Year
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By Joseph A. Curtatone and Somerville Commissioner for Veterans’ Services Bryan Bishop

(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)

With the approach of Veterans Day each year, as we remember and honor the sacrifice and service of all veterans, we are often also reminded of the range of challenges facing many of our Veterans as a result of their military service. From employment needs and transition to civilian life to physical or mental wounds, those who serve often carry extra burdens. We are reminded of the nearly 20 Veterans a day that take their own lives, Veterans dealing with the horrors of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, mental and emotional disabilities, and physical disabilities that can have an adverse, long-lasting effect on both Veterans and their families and friends.

The lack of adequate fencing along the MBTA commuter rail corridor is a cause of great concern for Somerville and neighboring community residents, according to a recent resolution put forward at the latest Board of Aldermen meeting.

By Jim Clark

At the most recent regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen on Thursday, October 26, a resolution was put forward by Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston asking that the city urge the MBTA to maintain the fencing along the commuter rail corridor, to prevent the needless loss of life.

Heuston cited recent instances of fatal encounters between commuter trains and pedestrians who had gained entry into the rail corridor due to inadequate fencing.

By Bob Katzen

Last week the state House and Senate approved and acting Gov. Karyn Polito signed into law a ban on bump stocks, devices that are attached to rifles, shotguns or firearms, other than a magazine, to increase the weapon’s rate of fire and mimic a fully automatic weapon that can fire hundreds of shots in succession.

Don’t forget, The Little Sisters of the Poor annual Christmas Bazaar takes place on Saturday, November 11, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the home on Highland Ave. Once again this year the entire first floor will be filled with goodies, baskets and gifts suggestions. A great place doing great work, stop in and support the fine Little Sisters of the Poor and all the residents of the home.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

Folks from East Somerville and its environs joined forces on Saturday, November 4, to participate in the annual East Somerville Fall Clean-Up, organized by East Somerville Main Streets, and  Somerville’s 7th annual Bulb Blitz.

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Imagine being able to get fresh, never frozen, pasture raised, hormone free, antibiotic free locally sourced meats that you can pick up within a couple of miles of your home. No, really.

By Jim Clark

While on patrol of the Mystic River development last week, Somerville Police officers were dispatched to a Memorial Rd. location on reports of a disturbance in progress.

As the officers entered the hallway of Memorial Rd. location, they reportedly heard loud arguing going on in the second floor hallway.

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In the coming weeks the Grolier Poetry Book Shop will be celebrating its 90th anniversary. This famed bookstore in Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has been in operation since 1927. It is an all poetry bookstore, and has seen the likes of Lowell, Eliot, Ginsberg, Hall and many other much-lauded poets grace its environs.