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)

The United States ranks 78^th in the world in women’s political representation. This is a shame because evidence is unequivocal that organizations that include women in their leadership produce better outcomes than those that don’t.

~Photos by Bobbie Toner

On Sunday, local community groups, artists, and activists working for a variety of progressive causes — economic justice, protecting the environment, world peace, an end to racism — join the brass bands to make a spectacular parade from Davis Square to Harvard Square along Mass Avenue. Other HONK! Fest activities include a Day of Action, when bands convene to play on behalf of a cause, and roundtable discussions for participating musicians and organizers of other HONK! festivals around the country to gather and share experiences.

Lt. James Polito, flanked by the daughters of Louis Remigio, read a statement to the those in attendance on Thursday. — Photos by Bobbie Toner

Family members and friends of Louis Remigio, a Somerville Police officer who lost his life in a fatal crash last Sunday, gathered to pay their respects on Thursday afternoon during calling hours at George L. Doherty Funeral Home.

Statements were given by family members and city officials, including Police Chief David Fallon and Mayor Joseph Curtatone.

By Jim Clark

While assigned to the Police Department’s Gang Unit last week, a group of Somerville police officers took notice of two males who were known to them at a Glen St. location.

On the previous day, officers spoke with one of the men and offered him services with the Roca organization in Chelsea.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(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)

We’re halfway through this season’s ResiStat meetings, where in addition to neighborhood updates, we’ve also been discussing the City’s progress toward our community’s SomerVision goals around public open space, housing, transportation, development, and job creation.  Each of these goals are intertwined and all are important. But today I want to take a closer look at our ambitious job creation goal and all that comes along with making this goal a reality.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

The annual 3-day free festival brough  brass bands from all over the United States and the world to Somerville for a celebration of music, community and activism. Organized entirely by volunteers and now in its 12th year, the festival kicked off on Friday night with a lantern parade in Davis Square neighborhoods and a band showcase. On Saturday more than 25 bands take over Davis Square for a giant music and dance party.

The Somerville Overcoming Addiction Fourth Annual Vigil took place at the East Somerville Community School last Saturday evening.

By Rob Carter

Firefighter Thomas Ross stood next to a large silver bell outside of the East Somerville Community School Saturday night. As community members stood at a podium nearby and read off a list of names, Ross punctuated each one with a toll of the bell.

The names were those of community members who have died because of opioid abuse. Ross rang the bell 259 times.

On Tuesday, November 7, 2017, Somerville voters will cast their ballots in a City Election for the offices of Mayor of Somerville, various Board of Aldermen members, and School Committee Members in Wards 1 and 2. This week, the Somerville Times asked each of the qualified candidates for Alderman to describe why they would be the best choice for the office they are running for and what specific policies they would advocate or implement in that position, along with a bio if they choose to include one. Their responses are presented here in alphabetical order based on their last names, ward by ward.

By Greg Karczewski
President, US2

As we welcome a new season in Somerville, we’re witnessing the momentum build around Union Square’s revitalization. Union Square Station Associates (US2) spoke at the Somerville Redevelopment Authority meeting last week to offer a look at what progress has been made in the last few months – since the zoning and development covenant were approved in June – including a number of community initiatives and some exciting headway on the Green Line Extension (GLX) and other infrastructure work.