Politics 
Posted by Abby a 2:30 pm on June 25, 2009
We’re working on educating the public about the incredible amount of money spent on weapon systems, and the need to get the government to redirect that money to basic human needs, such as jobs, education, housing, and health care. ... and that’s where you can help. We’re going to ask the Board of Aldermen of Somerville to endorse the campaign. As preparation for that, we’re asking you to call your alderman/ woman to urge their endorsement of this campaign.
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Posted in Civic Action, Economy & Poverty, Government Reform, Politics | 13 Comments »
Posted by clivia camara a 2:52 pm on June 23, 2009
On Monday the 22nd of June at 7:30 at the Somerville High School the School Committee approved the Welcoming Massachusetts pledge. All the members said “Yes” to the pledge with great enthusiasm…
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Posted in Immigration, Politics, Schools and Youth | 3 Comments »
Posted by Marty Martinez a 8:00 pm on June 18, 2009
Come out to the next Progressive Democrats of Somerville Meeting!
When: Tuesday, June 23rd, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Where: VNA, 259 Lowell Street, Community Room
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Posted in City Finances, Events, Politics, Schools and Youth | No Comments »
Posted by Karly Burke a 11:52 am on June 15, 2009
We campaigned, we won and now we want to hear from YOU about changes you want to see in our community. Please join us on Mon. June 22nd at 6:30pm for a Cambridge-Somerville for Change community meeting
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Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Health Care, Politics | 2 Comments »
Posted by fberman a 3:04 am on June 1, 2009
At next week's Mass. Democratic Party Issues Convention (Saturday, June 6 in Springfield), opponents of legalizing predatory slot machine gambling in Massachusetts will mount an effort to pass a Resolution "oppos[ing] the legalization of slot machines and any similar efforts to promote addictive and predatory gambling as a means of raising public revenues." (The full Resolution is printed at the end of this posting.) WE NEED YOUR HELP collecting delegates' signatures.
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Posted in Politics | 6 Comments »
Posted by Janine D. a 5:32 pm on May 31, 2009
I have been a democrat my entire voting life. My first election was my vote for Clinton in 1992. I will state that I am not a native Somerville nor MA resident. Since moving to Somerville, where I own my house, I have become very interested in the elected officials and their votes. It comes as no surpirse that I am a little disgusted with how they vote sometimes.…
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Posted in Politics | 76 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 2:12 pm on May 26, 2009
Come on out to our next PDS meeting. There is a lot going on so come on out and get involved in one of the most exciting organizations in the city!
When: Tuesday, May 26 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Where: Blue Shirt Cafe - 424 Highland Avenue - Davis Square
From 6:30 to 7:30, we will have our…
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Posted in Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 10:25 pm on May 12, 2009
According to the Somerville Journal:
Somerville Democrats will meet Tuesday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m. in the community room at the Visiting Nurses Association at 259 Lowell St.
Mayor Joe Curtatone will speak on “The Economic Challenges Facing Somerville.”
Note : this location is wheelchair accessible :-)…
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Posted in Announcements, City Finances, Economy & Poverty, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by MatanBY a 8:09 pm on
Forum on Gentrification and Displacement!
Thursday, May 14th, 6 PM
Elizabeth Peabody House
277 Broadway (at Broadway & Grant Street) Somerville, MA 02145
Gentrification and Displacement: What do they mean? What
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Posted in Announcements, Civic Action, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 8:47 am on
Please join us!
Spring Reception to Support
Rebekah Gewirtz
Ward 6 Alderman
Where: Sagra Restaurant, 400 Highland Ave Davis Square
When: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Time: 6-8pm
Light appetizers will be served.
Suggested…
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Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by eila a 2:29 pm on May 4, 2009
The City of Somerville, as an Entitlement Community, receives millions of Federal dollars from HUD each year from the Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Shelter Grant, and HOME programs. These monies must be spent on activities that primarily benefit low and moderate income Somerville residents in three areas:
Provide decent affordable housing;
Eliminate slums and blight;
Enhance…
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Posted in Accessibility, City Finances, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Government Reform, Neighborhoods and Squares, Politics | 3 Comments »
Posted by Bill Bumpus a 12:39 pm on April 23, 2009
Bill Bumpus and regular Somerville Voices contributor Fred Berman are the co-hosts of a live, (roughly) biweekly show on Somerville Cable Access Television (SCAT, Channel 3) titled “Progressive Voices”.
If you or your organization are working to make a difference on a local, state, national or world level, we’d like to interview you! …
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Posted in Announcements, Media, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by eila a 6:12 pm on April 19, 2009
On March 19, 2009, the City of Somerville was one of the 118 recipients of an “e-government Award,” from Common Cause. This citation is given for providing online access to Board of Alderman agenda and minutes, budget information, and general by-laws. But, on closer inspection, Somerville came in "number one" for the…
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Posted in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights, Government Reform, Media, Politics | 6 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:04 pm on April 11, 2009
A member of Eighth District Rep. Mike Capuano’s staff will hold office hours Thursday, April 23, from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Aldermen’s Chambers at City Hall, 93 Highland Ave. Constituents are encouraged to stop by with questions or…
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Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Marty Martinez a 9:28 am on April 7, 2009
Come out to the Progressive Democrats of Somerville (PDS) Annual Meeting. See what exciting things are happening with PDS as it celebrates the start of its 6th year.
When: Tuesday, April 21 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Where: Independent Restaurant - Union Square
The short program will include electionsRead More.>>
Posted in Announcements, Arts and Culture, Environment and Open Space, Events, Politics, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by Bill Bumpus a 6:43 pm on March 27, 2009
Bill Bumpus and regular Somerville Voices contributor Fred Berman are the co-hosts of a live, (roughly) biweekly show on Somerville Cable Access Television (SCAT, Channel 3) titled "Progressive Voices".
If you or your organization are working to make a difference on a local, state, national or world level, we'd like to interview you! …
Read More.>>
Posted in Media, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Pat Jehlen a 5:54 pm on March 19, 2009
No Fooling: Budget Forum April 1
Every day we learn of more cuts in services and proposed tax increases. Why are we in this situation? What can we do to protect the basics we expect in a commonwealth?
On April 1, 7 - 9 pm, you can learn about the state’s fiscal crisis, its causes and consequences…
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Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Pat Jehlen a 10:25 pm on March 18, 2009
No Fooling: Budget Forum April 1
Every day we learn of more cuts in services and proposed tax increases. Why are we in this situation? What can we do to protect the basics we expect in a commonwealth?
On April 1, 7 - 9 pm, you can learn about the state's fiscal crisis, its causes…
Read More.>>
Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:07 pm on March 2, 2009
Answer President Barack Obama’s call to action and get involved in your community by preparing for the next election cycle! You are invited to our training to learn the basics of how to run and win a local campaign. Topics will include fundraising, crafting a message, field operations/Get Out The Vote, and media and communication.
The…
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Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 8:58 pm on
Answer President Barack Obama’s call to action and get involved in your community by preparing for the next election cycle! You are invited to our training to learn the basics of how to run and win a local campaign.
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Posted in Announcements, Politics | 1 Comment »
Posted by Marty Martinez a 9:30 am on February 20, 2009
Hey PDSers...
Its time for another great PDS meeting. Come out and see what exciting things PDS is up to this month. Our agenda includes:
- Update on our March Candidate and Campaign Training
- Dialogue on "Somerville's Response to the Fiscal Crisis" campaign
- PDS' action on the condo conversion ordinance
- Discussion about Community Service in our Schools
- Planning for our 2009 Annual
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Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by fberman a 5:29 pm on February 1, 2009
PDS Vice Chair Rachel Heller sent around information about the Democratic Party Caucuses scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 5th (see below). Readers may be wondering "Why bother to go to an "issues" convention ... or to the Caucus where delegates are elected? Here are my thoughts on why it's worth our time.
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Posted in Government Reform, Politics | 1 Comment »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 8:04 pm on January 30, 2009
According to "Latest News" on the website of the Somerville Democratic City Committee
www.SomDems.org :
The Ward Caucuses to elect delegates to the 2009 State Convention in Springfield will be held on Thursday, February 5th at 7pm with the exception of Ward Five which will be at 8:00 p.m. at the same location…
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Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:50 pm on January 28, 2009
This sounds like a proactive and timely step on the part of the mayor, but is this "outside" panel of "experts" truly a good source of guidance for our city in these dire times?
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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Government Reform, Politics, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Posted by Linda Haviland Conte a 2:09 pm on January 18, 2009
Seriously, I am feeling like celebrating. Our friend Seth Itzkan (Planet Tech, Davis Sq.) took off for DC yesterday at dawn. He said that they would be closing the roads after that so you couldn't get in later if you wanted to. He left on the Lucky Star bus from Boston, and caught the NYDC…
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Posted in Politics | 6 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 12:44 pm on January 17, 2009
[Note, I am the Endorsements Chair of PDS - Barry]
Come out to the first meeting of the new year!
What: PDS January Meeting
When: Tuesday, January 27th - 6:45pm to 8:45pm
Where: Visiting Nurses Association, Community Room, 259 Lowell Street, Somerville
Agenda includes:
- upcoming campaign and candidate training
- endorsement discussion on
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Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Pat Jehlen a 9:03 am on January 15, 2009
Rep. Denise Provost and I invite people to join us in a celebratory inauguration lunch at Orleans Restaurant in Davis Square on Jan. 20 at 11:30. There will be a large-screen TV tuned to the inauguration, and lunch will be Dutch treat.
A lot of people worked hard for our new president, and would like to…
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Posted in Events, Politics, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by eila a 7:04 pm on December 5, 2008
A focus group of Civil and DisAbilities Rights advocates will join with the longest-running TV Access producers group in the country during Civil Rights Week in MA to tackle the challenges of designing equal opportunity communities.
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Posted in Accessibility, Announcements, Arts and Culture, Economy & Poverty, Media, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Dennis K. Fischman a 9:25 pm on December 3, 2008
I've been reviewing some of the reasons Obama will need to be pushed if he is going to be a progressive President, and some of the major areas in which we need to push him. The key thing is, we can't wait.
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Posted in Government Reform, Politics | 4 Comments »
Posted by lei qin a 8:00 pm on December 2, 2008
Over the last five years, the city has seemed to be augmenting its revenue by issuing me one trash citation after another, often for no cause... It has become clear to me that this city government is rife with nepotism and cronies who are willing to lie in order to protect each other’s misconduct and dishonesty.
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Posted in Government Reform, Politics | 6 Comments »
Posted by Bill Shelton a 10:33 pm on December 1, 2008
To the Charter Review Committee, I sincerely appreciated the opportunity to give testimony at your November 10th public hearing. I hope you are not discouraged that, from mildly to passionately, all but one person who spoke was critical of your preliminary recommendations.
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Posted in Government Reform, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Dennis K. Fischman a 6:11 am on
I don't agree with his accusatory tone--I think most people voted for Obama with their eyes open--but Sam Smith has "listed nearly three dozen things that Obama supports or opposes with which no good liberal or progressive would agree." Most prominent among them to my perspective:
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Posted in Health Care, Politics, Schools and Youth | 2 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 6:52 pm on November 24, 2008
And now, a meeting announcement from the Chair of the Progressive Democrats of Somerville...
HEY PDSers...
Come to our November meeting at the VNA at 259 Lowell Street on Tuesday, November 25th from 6:30 to 8:30.
Topics include:
- Celebrating the election of BARACK OBAMA!!!!
- Union Square Zoning Update
- Condo Conversion Endorsement Discussion
- Charter Committee Recommendation Update
- Election of Vacant Positions on the Steering Committee
- and
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Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Dennis K. Fischman a 11:51 pm on November 23, 2008
How do we in Somerville know that the Obama administration will be under pressure to cave to corporations? I couldn't say it any better than Derrick Jackson did in the Globe...
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Posted in Government Reform, Politics | 1 Comment »
Posted by Dennis Fischman a 12:05 pm on November 17, 2008
Progressives in Somerville, as elsewhere, have invested a lot of hope in an Obama presidency. After the Bush administration's systematic attack on rights, liberties, and the common good, Obama can hardly help doing better! Yet on some of the most basic issues, Obama has been silent.
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Posted in Politics | 6 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 6:00 pm on November 15, 2008
[Posted on behalf of Alisa Wind]
Dear friends at Somerville Voices,
We would like you to join us at a special "What's Next?" event with Noam Chomsky next Wednesday, Nov 19th. We would also like to encourage your organization to advertise in our program book to share your work with hundreds of viewers (please see below).
Although this…
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Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Dennis K. Fischman a 9:23 am on November 14, 2008
Somerville went heavily for Obama in the last election. Now we have to push him to make good on some of his promises; where he doesn't go far enough, to go further; where he is silent, to speak up and act; and where he is wrong, to change.
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Posted in Government Reform, Immigration, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Dennis K. Fischman a 9:49 pm on November 12, 2008
On key issues, Obama either doesn't go far enough, or he hasn't said anything at all... I could go on and on, but you probably have an example of your own. What issues are most important to you, and how does Obama address them but fall short? Along with pressing the new administration to keep its promises, we have to make them exceed them. WE have to. They won't do it on their own.
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Posted in Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Dennis K. Fischman a 6:57 pm on November 10, 2008
One week ago, Somerville went overwhelmingly for Obama-Biden. To keep the promises made by the Obama campaign, the Obama Administration will need all the help it can get. We in Somerville should do our part to help--and to keep the politicians honest.
Here is a very partial and incomplete list of campaign promises that I think Obama should keep:
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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Health Care, Housing, Immigration, Politics, Workers' Rights | No Comments »
Posted by fberman a 2:30 am on November 6, 2008
In anticipation of next week's public hearing on Charter Reform, Fred Berman and Bill Bumpus interviewed local activist Bill Shelton, who favors a City Manager form of government, as compared with our current "Strong Mayor" form of government.....
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Posted in Government Reform, Politics | 2 Comments »
Posted by Dennis K. Fischman a 7:05 am on November 5, 2008
The results of last night's election are about as good as I could have wished. Obama-Biden won by a large enough margin that no amount of cheating could affect the outcome. Democrats widened their lead in Congress, and progressives held onto their seats. There's still a chance that Al Franken could become the next Senator from Minnesota. Most important to me personally, Massachusetts voted 2-1 against eliminating the state income tax.
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Posted in Politics | 1 Comment »
Posted by Bill@SCAT a 9:06 pm on November 4, 2008
As promised here is the latest and greatest from Somerville Community Access Television. Check out the footage from the Community Arts Festival and from a Nepali Community Event. See a separate posting for the interview with Bill Shelton about Charter Reform on Fred Berman and Bill Bumpus' Monday evening show, Progressive Voices.
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Posted in Arts and Culture, Media, Politics, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by Alain Jehlen a 10:34 am on November 2, 2008
Rev. Molly Baskette, Senior Minister of First Church Somerville UCC, asked us to post this for her:
On November 4, you will be making one of the most important political decisions of your life. It’s not McCain vs. Obama. It’s the decision about whether or not to repeal the state income tax in Massachusetts.…
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Posted in Politics | 4 Comments »
Posted by Greg a 11:33 pm on October 30, 2008
This Sunday, the Progressive Democrats of Somerville are headed up to New Hampshire with the Cambridge and Somerville for Obama group. The Cambridge and Somerville for Obama group has been doing fantastic work and just last Sunday, sent 130 canvassers up to New Hampshire!
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Posted in Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Bill@SCAT a 10:30 pm on
Hi Gang, for those of you yearning for alternative media coverage of the big day November 4th …
keep reading, we have the answerRead More.>>
Posted in Announcements, Events, Media, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Bill@SCAT a 2:01 pm on
Hi Gang, for those of you yearning for alternative media coverage of the big day November 4th .... keep reading, we have the answer.
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Posted in Announcements, Media, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Abby a 9:52 am on
SMUJP (Somerville-Medford United for Justice with Peace) invites you to a post-election dialogue: thoughts on the election results and implications for the Somerville and Medford progressive community. We hope to define three key areas to focus on going forward, relating to peace, economic justice and local issues. This open, nonpartisan conversation will start with brief presentations and move to lots of discussion. We hope you can join us!
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Posted in Announcements, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Bill@SCAT a 8:32 am on October 27, 2008
Hi Gang... lot going on since my last post. Later this week I will have a massive update, but, in the meantime I wanted to share the latest episode of the Progressive Voices TV program here at SCAT. Fred Berman and Bill Bumpus have as their guest: Harris Gruman to talk about Question one on the upcoming November Ballot. See the video below.
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Posted in Environment and Open Space, Media, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Paula Woolley a 9:35 am on October 22, 2008
More than most cities and towns, the city of Somerville and its public schools rely very heavily on state aid. In fact, this year, state aid makes up more than half (58 percent) of the Somerville schools' budget. This much-needed money would be cut drastically if Question 1 passes, eliminating the state income tax. According to one estimate by groups including the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, our schools could lose as much as 90 percent of its aid if Question 1 passes, and our city could lose 65 percent.
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Posted in Politics, Schools and Youth | 1 Comment »
Posted by Rand Wilson a 1:41 pm on October 15, 2008
This year's third annual HONK! Festival from Oct. 10 - 12 was an exuberant street party!
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Posted in Arts and Culture, Neighborhoods and Squares, Politics, Tufts | No Comments »
Posted by Marty Martinez a 10:25 pm on October 10, 2008
The Progressive Democrats of Somerville have weighed in on two key ballot questions and the uncontested State House seats in the November election.
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Posted in Politics | No Comments »
Posted by rebecca batorsky a 3:45 pm on October 8, 2008
Stand Up for Peace in the Middle East
BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW!
Visit our website: http://oct11boston.org
Music at 11, Rally at noon, March at 2 pm
Boston Common Parade Grounds (Entrance on Beacon and Charles St.)
Join thousands of New England anti-war activists on Oct. 11th 2008 at noon on Boston Common for a rally with music, cultural performers…
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Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 4:12 pm on September 25, 2008
Somerville Ward 5 Alderman Sean O'Donovan was defeated in last night's Democratic Caucus for Register of Probate of Middlesex County despite his supporters' attempts to deceive other delegates into believing that he had been endorsed by third-place candidate Maria Sheehy. O'Donovan finished in second place to Medford attorney Tara DeChristofaro...
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Posted in Politics | 1 Comment »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 6:40 pm on September 20, 2008
From the homepage of the Somerville Democratic City Committee
www.SomDems.org :
Our first annual Somerville Democratic City Committee Picnic has been rescheduled to Saturday, October 4th, from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 30 Washington Street. All Somerville Democrats are welcome…
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Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Carl Sciortino a 2:07 am on September 19, 2008
On September 16th, our campaign made history, winning an incredibly challenging write-in campaign. To the many campaign volunteers and supporters, and to the hard-working wardens, police officers, and other elections officials and staff, I would like to say thank you. I also want to thank my challenger, Alderman Bob Trane, for running a spirited campaign. But most of all, I want to thank all of you who cast your vote on September 16th.
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Posted in Politics | 9 Comments »
Posted by Dorie Clark a 8:42 pm on August 15, 2008
The Committee to Re-Elect Rep. Carl Sciortino today announced the launch of a new website and mailing to residents of Somerville and Medford to raise awareness about Rep. Sciortino’s write-in campaign for re-election on September 16th.
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Posted in Politics | 25 Comments »
Posted by Jonathan Rich a 10:45 pm on July 22, 2008
At a fundraiser for his reelection campaign at Sabur Restaurant this evening, Representative Carl Sciortino got some strongly worded support from Governor Deval Patrick, and announced that an upcoming environmental bond bill would include two million dollars for improvements to Somerville’s largest open space, Foss Park.…
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Posted in Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Politics, Transportation | 1 Comment »
Posted by eila a 11:45 am on July 20, 2008
Here's just a short post to encourage folks to take a listen to the Open Media Boston
interview with incumbent Representative Carl Sciortino. I was lucky to stumble upon it!
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Posted in Politics | No Comments »
Posted by eila a 6:44 pm on July 19, 2008
I certainly agree with Barry's post of 7/15/08 in this SomervilleVoices blog entitled, "
City’s Commission Staffing Plan Hurts Human Services." Three questions seem particularly germane to this issue: 1. Are Somerville’s municipal resources distributed equally and fairly to all residents? 2. Are all residents offered equal participation within public programs, without regard to differences in age, income, birth culture, abilities, religions, race, gender, job status, or city address? 3. Do certain Somerville residents experience social and economic inequities that would support the fuller engagement and investigation of the specialized Human Rights Commissions?
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Posted in Accessibility, Government Reform, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 7:55 pm on July 15, 2008
The Mayor has called a special meeting of the Board of Aldermen to create two new Deputy Chief of Police positions that he then wants to take out of civil service. Without any community input or community process on the impact of creating two new politically appointed positions in the leadership of the police department, the Mayor is pushing the Board of Aldermen to agree to their removal from the civil service process.
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Posted in Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 12:02 pm on
I share Melissa McWhinney's concerns about the impact of the Mayor's new commission staffing reorganization on the quality of the city's human services. The HRC and other commissions should not have to compete with each other for staff services as they now do under the new arrangement.
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Posted in Government Reform, Politics | 1 Comment »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:41 am on
Please join us for a wonderful evening of folk, rock, pop, and jazz music to benefit Veterans For Peace and Iraq Veterans Against The War. The benefit will be on Tuesday, July 29 at 8:30 PM at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St. Davis Square Somerville. Performers include Celia Slattery, Deb Pasternak, Porch Party Mamas, Media Made, and Katrina Degel Jazz Quartet. Admission is $15.
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Posted in Arts and Culture, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Ken Brociner a 11:30 pm on July 14, 2008
I would like to briefly explain why I will NOT be participating in the "No Attack on Iran" demo in the hope that it might provide some food for thought for PDSers (of which I am one) and others on the left. First off, I am against an attack on Iran - by the U.S. and/or Israel. But...the way this particular demo is framing the issue is - unfortunately - all too typical these days (on the left).
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Posted in Politics | 11 Comments »
Posted by Abby a 4:33 pm on
At a time when voices calling for real diplomacy and negotiations are being silenced, it is up to us to speak out clearly against another illegal war, which would be a catastrophe for all involved.
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Posted in Events, Politics | 1 Comment »
Posted by Erica Schwarz a 3:50 pm on
You are invited to attend a reception for State Representative Carl Sciortino, candidate for re-election in the 34th Middlesex District, featuring Governor Deval Patrick.
Tuesday, July 22
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Sabur Restaurant
212 Holland St., Teele Square, Somerville
Suggested donation: $30 $150 $300 $500
We hope to see you there!…
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Posted in Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Josh Craft a 10:23 am on July 12, 2008
Come to the Somerville/Cambridge General Election Kick Off Event at Precinct in Union Square this coming Wednesday, July 16th! Have fun, get plugged in and learn how we're going to win!
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Posted in Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 5:21 pm on July 10, 2008
PDS has endorsed Rep. Carl Sciortino for re-election in the 34th Middlesex District (Somerville/Medford) House race. PDS members were impressed by Rep. Sciortino's hard work on behalf of the district on a variety of issues including working for increased local aid for education, advocating for the extension of the Green Line and his continued efforts on behalf of all the residents of the district.
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Posted in Politics | 7 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 1:09 pm on July 9, 2008
From Stephanie Hirsch's announcement over the davis-square(at)yahoogroups.com list today:
Hi All -Stop by to see the Mayor tonight at his office hours in your neighborhood...
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone will hold Community Office Hours on Wednesday, July 9th from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Diesel Café in Davis Square.
Residents can…
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Posted in Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Dennis Fischman a 10:27 am on July 1, 2008
Who says all summer reading lists have to be filled with fluff? CAAS, the Community Action Agency of Somerville, is offering a summer reading list about poor people and people rising out of poverty--and what we can all do to help. “There is something on this list for every reader”
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Posted in Arts and Culture, Economy & Poverty, Politics | 2 Comments »
Posted by eila a 11:12 pm on June 26, 2008
The National Council on Disability (NCD) is gathering public input for a study of emerging issues and trends affecting the lives of people with disabilities. Information gathered will be used in the development of NCD's next annual progress report to the President and Congress, "National Disability Policy: A Progress Report," which is required by Section 401(b) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
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Posted in Accessibility, Arts and Culture, Government Reform, Health Care, Housing, Politics, Schools and Youth, Sports, Transportation, Workers' Rights | No Comments »
Posted by eila a 9:09 pm on June 21, 2008
There will be a Public Hearing before the Board of Aldermen on Monday, June 23, 2008, at 6:30 PM, in the Aldermen's Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue, on the Order of Alderman Maryann M. Heuston, Chairman of the Committee on Finance, for public input on the proposed FY 2009 budget. THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND AND BE HEARD.
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Posted in Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:06 pm on June 17, 2008
Come out to the next PDS Meeting:
Tuesday, June 24th at 7:30pm at the College Avenue United Methodist Church on Chapel Street.
PLEASE NOTE: We have moved our meeting to start a little later so interested people can attend the
Union Square Zoning Meeting that starts at 6pm.
Check out our June meeting which will…
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Posted in Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 3:03 pm on June 10, 2008
Somerville Democratic City Committee Public Meeting, all are welcome!
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Posted in Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Pat Jehlen a 10:03 am on
Attorney General Martha Coakley will be our guest speaker on Wednesday from 6 - 8 pm at the Somerville Museum, 1 Westwood Road in Somerville, at the corner of Central Street, just south of Highland Ave. There'll be music by Michelle Nover and Pamela Ambrose of the Winchester Community Music School. And of…
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Posted in Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 1:17 pm on June 8, 2008
The
Progressive Democrats of Somerville (PDS) invites you for a night of trivia, food and good company.
TRIVIA NIGHT at Johnny D's - 17 Holland Street in Davis Square
Monday, June 9th
8:00pm - Trivia Night with Free Pizza
Come on down and join a PDS team in the ever so popular Trivia Night!
If you have…
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Posted in Events, Politics | 6 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 11:59 pm on June 4, 2008
This week, the Progressive Democrats of Somerville officially launched their endorsement process for the upcoming round of state elections. Invitations were emailed to candidates in local contested races: Rep. Carl Sciortino and Ald. Bob Trane in the 34th Middlesex (Somerville/Medford) House race and Patrick McCabe, Jim Caralis, and Rep. Paul Donato in the 35th Middlesex…
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Posted in Politics | 4 Comments »
Posted by Bill Shelton a 3:35 am on June 2, 2008
From the 1950s, through the 1970s, well over half of Somerville’s long-term residents permanently left the city. The first clearly identifiable group of newcomers who replaced them was Portuguese immigrants.
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Posted in Politics | 2 Comments »
Posted by Bill Shelton a 10:47 pm on May 14, 2008
The attraction of Somerville's affordable housing, Irish and Italian enclaves, and thriving industrial economy made it the most densely populated American city in the middle of the last century. Its 170 manufacturing plants provided wages sufficient to support a family, often with only one parent working.
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Posted in Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Marty Martinez a 12:08 am on May 2, 2008
Check out this link about PDS' Annual Meeting. Progressive Dems are ready to kick off another year of empowering community residents to get involved and advocate for the issues they care about.
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Posted in Politics | No Comments »
Posted by empowerment a 7:00 pm on April 24, 2008
Bill Shelton's post made me wonder... is an ecological politics possible in Somerville?
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Posted in Politics | 1 Comment »
Posted by Dennis Fischman a 11:07 pm on April 22, 2008
Do you want to help set the direction for Somerville’s anti-poverty agency? The Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) is seeking candidates—and voters—for its Board elections, coming up the week of May 19th at two locations in Somerville.
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Posted in Consumer Money Saving, Housing, Politics, Schools and Youth | No Comments »
Posted by Bill Shelton a 9:47 am on April 1, 2008
When a region’s climate changes over long periods, its ecosystems change as well. Woodlands can become grasslands, tundra or desert. This process involves prolonged conflict between differing plant and animal groups, and between how they change their environment by living and propagating. Even if they were conscious, they would not see themselves as at war, but rather merely doing what they can to survive.…
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Posted in Politics | 6 Comments »
Posted by Suzanne Bremer a 9:25 pm on March 30, 2008
It isn’t often that the words “surplus” and “parking” are associated with Davis Square. But the request currently before the Board of Alderman to declare three municipal parking lots surplus property in our hippest square does that as well as bring up the long simmering, but little acknowledged question of responsible management of city owned real estate.…
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Posted in Development and Zoning, Politics | 11 Comments »
