Like every mayor since the beginning of time, Mayor Joe Curtatone has his supporters, his detractors and the people who don’t really care one way or another. We said it when he first got elected – if he does something wrong, screws up, or generally acts like a power hungry jackass – we will be the first to slam him. In the same vein, we also said that if he is a good mayor, does a great job, surrounds himself with effective department heads and builds bridges, we would be the first to praise him.

Thankfully, he has been better than a good mayor – probably the best anyone living can remember, especially given the enormous obstacles and situations he has to face on a daily basis and with the tax revenue he has. In this world full of political correctness, Mayor Curtatone has done much to improve city services, has made and followed through with commitments to the public schools, services to the elderly and low-income residents and done much to promote responsible long-term, multi-use development within the limited space available in this densely populated city.

Although the skies were cloudy and the weather was humid, Somerville residents came out in mass to celebrate Independence Day five days early at Trum Field on Broadway on Thursday, June 26. Sponsored by the City of Somerville, the Independence Day celebration included performances by the Somerville Sunsetters, Mary Flynn Murphy School of Dance, BOVA Productions, and the USO Metropolitan New York performers. Vendors selling cotton candy, hot dogs, and ice cream continuously fed the crowd throughout the night while friends and families enjoyed the music and show. Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone was present as he prepared the audience for the fireworks display, which was proclaimed the largest fireworks display to date.

From everyone at The Somerville News, Prospect Hill Publishing, Inc., The Norton Family, The Tauro Family  and Robert Publicover – we wish everyone a happy and safe Independence Day!

By George P. Hassett

Two former Tufts University employees were indicted Tuesday for allegedly stealing almost $1 million from the school and using the money to treat themselves to trips to Paris and Las Vegas, a Madonna concert and steaks.

Prosecutors allege Josephine Neally and Raymond Rodriguez, in separate schemes, stole $977,449 from student activities accounts between 1996 and 2007. Neally was the director of the university’s Office of Student Activities and Rodriguez was its budget and fiscal coordinator.

By George P. Hassett

An early celebration of Independence Day ended in a stabbing Thursday night as two 18-year-old Somerville  men, one with a knife, walked to the Medford side of Broadway to fight.

David L. Martinez, of 551 Broadway, and the victim met on Alfred Street shortly after the fireworks display ended to “shoot the ones” or fistfight, according to witness statements in court documents.. But Martinez allegedly took out a knife and stabbed the victim in his head and back as the victim told him to “Put the knife down, fight like a man,” court records show.

Again Mayor Joe Curtatone and his busy staff should be congratulated Рthe fireworks show last Thursday was fantastic and everyone was pleased. This year’s crowd appeared to be bigger and the buzz in the audience was all about the new look for Trum Field Рeveryone liked it.

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We heard directly from a couple of Ward 7 residents that Carl himself (wow) is going door to door knocking and trying desperately to explain the whole ‚Äúmy dog ate it‚Äù routine regarding his nomination papers – we were surprised to hear that he himself was out there – we know for a fact he has out of district ‚Äúteams‚Äù going door to door as well. Meanwhile Alderman Trane (you know him, the only democrat on the ballot) had a stand out at Harvard & Main Streets the other day – they had 48 signs – and within minutes they ran out of signs to hold. Bob was personally taken around to all the small businesses and received a great reception. By the way, we were told that 100% percent of the people holding signs at the standout were from the district.    

By Melanie Cordova

They write about politics, humor, and tragedy. They write about their heroes, their dreams and their community. But most of all, they write about life.

For nine years, Books of Hope, a creative writing program of the Somerville Arts Council and the Mystic Learning Center, has helped young people put their thoughts into published paper. On Monday night, Books of Hope celebrated the release of seven authors’ work with a Barbecue and Book Party at the Mystic Activity Center.