Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I did a survey of my social media friends and asked a question. You are mayor for one hour. If you could change one thing about Somerville what would it be? Each set of quotes is a response. Here they come.

“Fix streets and sidewalk also flashing lights at every senior building.”

“Align the municipal elections to coincide with national elections to improve voter turnout.”

“Get rid of the corrupt politicians in the city and get rid of the stupid sticks around the rotaries.”

“I would make you my chief of staff.” (no thanks!)

“Finally give the city workers a new contract. They’ve been out for well over a year with city hall showing no signs of bargaining in good faith at all.” (amen!)

“Repair City Hall.”

“I would restore common sense!”

“Make it a lot easier for us that drive cars to get around the city. Make the bus lanes 6-9 a.m./Mon-Friday ONLY!!! Reconfigure the sidewalks to the way the used to be, not halfway out in to the streets.”

“Stop them from making the curb cutouts, bring back meters in front of business so my mom of 83 doesn’t have to walk a block or two to go into an establishment. They have accommodated the bikers and took away all the easy access and parking from the seniors.”

“Paving streets! Stop making up foolish projects that aren’t helping the city like new “roundabouts” and no new schools…we are already burdening the taxpayers as it is. Most people move out of the city before their kids are school age anyway.”

“It’s also hard for SHS and City Hall staff to find parking when they come to work. All of the no parking sign on Highland Ave, because of construction, has the time of 7AM-3PM”

“Back our police give them the money and tools they need to keep a full staff that reflects our population and crime.”

“Open the McGrath highway exit ramp that leads to target and allow more right turn on reds. Also change the timing on the Somerville ave lights so u don’t have to stop at everyone.”

“I’d turn Somerville hospital into a rehab and living space for people from here to help them get clean. Turn a section of it into housing for mothers in domestic abuse situations as well. With Around the clock therapy available.”

“Repave Highland Ave from Walnut to School Streets. A real car rattler.”

“Mayor for 1 hr awesome, dive right in…call immediate in person staff meeting ( dont show up fired) of entire city officials, find out who does what, get 3 min status of what is going on in department and city wide from every office while reviewing managements qualifications for position, take notes demote unqualified staff or those who think Somerville is a stepping stone or who have egos. Try to fix what I can but always keep the city’s residents involved, informed and in my heart. I would do this if elected mayor. The job is not 9 to 5 it is 24/7. It is about thriving the entire city as one not one group, one section ONE!!. This is why I write in my name every year. Its time the residents get their city back.”

I was amazed at how many people commented. Check out the Facebook page, The Pride of Somerville for complete responses.