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Legal counsel for Somerville United Against Discrimination (SUAD) presented arguments today detailing why Question 3 should not appear on Somerville’s November ballot. The arguments included the untimely collection of signatures, the impropriety of placing an unconstitutional and discriminatory question on the ballot, and the unwillingness of city officials to have each side, for and against, file a 150-word argument as required by state law so that voters can make an informed choice. SUAD seeks to ensure that all applicable laws and rules have been followed and to promote voter transparency.

“Somerville United Against Discrimination firmly believes that this question has been improperly put on the November ballot, and we will exercise our rights to stop this discriminatory measure,” said Sam Gechter, the Chair of SUAD. “Challenges like this are commonplace when deciding the appropriate placement of questions on our ballots. As our City Solicitor has already said, this proposal is illegal, discriminatory, and will likely lead to lawsuits. We urge the Board of Elections to remove this divisive question from the ballot, and we will keep all legal options open.”

Question 3 does not help Palestinians, and instead harms Somerville by sowing division and distracting from pressing local issues – such as rising living costs, and cuts to schools and health care. The City’s focus should be on solving problems here at home, not illegal foreign policy statements that divide our community.

Proposed 150-word Opposing Statement:

Question 3 harms our community and is illegal and discriminatory. The ballot measure instructs the Mayor to boycott companies like Caterpillar and HP and businesses that use them. Somerville would be unable to replace the Winter Hill School, pave roads, or invest in infrastructure. Implementing the ballot measure would remove critical resources like HP Chromebooks used by students in Somerville schools at a time when Somerville’s math and reading skills are declining. Question 3 takes our focus off Somerville and will lead to lawsuits, wasted resources, and deeper divisions. Families are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living. Our infrastructure needs critical updates. Voting NO is a vote for prioritizing Somerville and its residents. Please vote NO on Question 3 to keep us and our elected officials focused on Somerville and our substantial local needs.

More About Somerville United Against Discrimination:

Somerville United Against Discrimination is a group of Jewish residents of Somerville and their allies who oppose Question 3. SUAD advocates for keeping Somerville focused on local priorities rather than divisive, unlawful ballot measures. SUAD has received hundreds of contributions from individuals in Somerville and Massachusetts, with Somerville residents representing the largest group.

To learn more, please visit www.focusonsomerville.org.

— Somerville United Against Discrimination