Saintville's friends rushed back to Good Times Emporium, where
they knew a police officer would be present. He was rushed to and later
pronounced dead at Massachusetts General Hospital. After an autopsy, the State
Medical Examiner ruled the death as a result of a homicide from one gunshot
wound.

According to the District Attorney Gerard Leone's office, the
authorities were able to track the van back to a residence in Charlestown after
an initial investigation. This led to the arrest of Marquis Williams, 20, of
Randolph, later that same day. Randolph was arraigned on April 23rd in
Somerville District Court as an accessory to murder.

The ensuing
investigation led to another arrest, this one of the believed shooter in the
squabble, David Cole, who at the time was 19 and from Boston. He was later
arraigned for first-degree murder on May 27th, 2007 in the Somerville District
Court. Judge Maurice R. Flynn ordered Cole to be held without bail.

District Attorney Gerard Leone's office cited that Jones was a key
witness in the case. Jones not only refused to give information that he had to a
Grand Jury, but also that he attempted to influence others to provide false
information.

Jones was originally arraigned on May 25th, 2007, on counts
of perjury and suborning to perjury. Judge Dominic Paratore than ordered that
Jones be held on $7,500 cash bail.

In a press release on September 16th,
2009, District Attorney Leone stated that: "By pleading guilty today, the
defendant admits his responsibility for purposefully seeking to frustrate the
police investigation and, therefore, manipulate the process of investigating a
homicide." Also, that "In order to protect our communities, we need the
cooperation and accurate testimony of witnesses. If a witness is fearful of
retribution, we will work with them, but if they purposefully choose to obstruct
and impede an investigation by giving false testimony, we will prosecute them
fully. This conviction should send that message very clearly."

The
District Attorney's office also cited that the investigation was a team effort
by multiple law enforcement agencies. These included the Massachusetts State
Police assigned to the District Attorney's office, State Police VFA's, STOP and
Canine Units, Chelsea Police, Harbor Point Housing Police and the United States
Marshall's Service.

As District Attorney Leone stated, this guilty plea
by Jones should make a statement to witnesses of murder cases that providing
false information, or refusing to provide any information at all, is against the
law and will put them at risk of a harsh sentencing.

What was unclear,
however, was if the case would be re-started, and what would happen to the men
in custody. Furthermore, if this man did provide false witness, then would the
case thus far be a mistrial, or was the evidence against them strong enough
without Jones' testimony? Surely there will be some more answers in the coming
months.

Line dancing enthusiasts also
turned out to learn a few new steps to add to their repertoire, taught by the
volunteers from the Gays for Patsy organization. A Boston-based non-profit
group, Gays for Patsy supports a variety of local groups by fundraising through
dance and events.

"I think they are wonderful", said country music fan
Rebecca Haley. "They seem to really enjoy dancing and performing. It's nice to
learn that they are supporting a larger cause and are doing it in a unique way
by thinking outside of the box."

As the afternoon progressed, various
country music acts took the stage to serenade the crowd. Musical groups included
DJ Brother Cleve, Lucky 57, and the Tin Panhandlers.

A well known Boston
based band, Three Day Threshold, was also in the lineup. They hyped the crowd up
as they performed their popular songs that mix genres of Bluegrass, Country,
Celtic and Punk into one unique sound. Currently promoting their latest album,
"Lost in Belgium" this band has toured through Europe and their music has also
been featured in music and television shows.

Adding to the spirit of the
afternoon were local vendors selling their unique handmade art and crafts. On
hand was Amy The from Pinecone and Chickadee selling eco-friendly, artwork and
apparel. The work of Closer to the Ocean was also a popular seller as they sold
various image transferred pieces.

Passing through the vendor tables,
concert goers were able to relax and try something very unique and far different
from the line dancing and country ballads in the background. They were allowed a
free trial of old Chinese medicine, thanks to Union Square Acupuncture. If the
sight of sterile needles caused some to tense up, they were in luck and received
free 10 minute massages by Dell Fisher, an Asian bodywork therapist who
specializes in Zen Shiatsu, Tui Na, and Thai Bodywork to name a few.

This event was successful due to the hard work of the Somerville Arts
Council and Aliza Shapiro of Truth Serum. The Somerville Arts Council works
tirelessly in development of events promoting culture and art. Urban Country
Fair 2009 is part of the ArtsUnion project series developed to promote community
and art development in Union Square while boosting local businesses. Don't miss
out on the next Somerville Arts Council event on September 26th in Union Square.
Attend the annual, "What the Fluff" which celebrates the invention of Fluff by
Archibald Query in 1917.

An original plan for Magoun
Square was actually created a few years ago, but involved only aesthetic
improvements and landscape beautification. The final plan introduced on
Wednesday has been amended over the past 2 years and is much more grand in terms
of scope and financing. The approved design now involves major safety and
operational traffic improvements–changes that local residents and officials
found to be necessary. Mayor Curtatone referred to the initial design as "window
dressing that didn't address the problem" of safety concerns that currently
exist at the massive intersection in Magoun Square. "We stayed committed to the
best project," said Mayor Curtatone, "the top project that will improve safety,
improve traffic flow, and will unlock some economic opportunity." The project is
primarily state sponsored, but things have been able to move quickly due to the
recent allocation of federal stimulus dollars that will help support the
redevelopment.

The current design will improve pedestrian safety by
adding more crosswalks, refurbishing and shortening current crosswalks that will
comply with the American Disabilities Act, and will add brick walkways similar
to Davis Square. The plan also calls for major aesthetic upgrades that include
landscaping, streetscaping, street lighting, and bicycle accommodation. The city
will install 4 bike racks, add 8 additional trash bins, and will plant 16 new
trees in the Magoun Square area. They will also purchase and install ornamental
street lights, ornamental traffic signals, metal benches, and will create a
brick façade around all landscaped features. The redevelopment will also take
into account the issue of traffic in the Magoun Square area by synchronizing two
sets of lights in an attempt to redesign the flow of traffic and ease
congestion.

The plans for construction have already gone out to bid and
are due back from contractors on September 29th at 2 pm. The redevelopment has
been scheduled as a 535 day contract and will begin in the Spring of 2010 with
an option to do some potential layout work in the Fall of 2009. David Giagrande
assured residents that all businesses and residences will remain accessible
during the construction and doubted that there would be a need to temporary
shut-down any major utilities in the neighborhood. With new mandated safety
regulations, Giagrande did admit that there is a possibility of losing a few
parking spaces in the Magoun Square area.

Some residents took issue with
the choice of brick walkways due to their propensity to shift over time,
referencing the current problems at Davis Square. All designs were signed off on
prior to this final community meeting and no fundamental changes are to be made.
Another resident questioned the steep crossing ramp at the Medford/Broadway
intersection, but Giagrande stated that, due to the natural grade of the street,
few improvements can be made.

Ward 5 Alderman Sean O'Donovan was grateful
for the Mayor's support and feels that this project is a necessary improvement
to the area. "Magoun Square is an area that is not at all pedestrian friendly
and vehicular-wise has issues that need to be addressed," said O'Donovan. "The
original plan was more of a beautification project that, in our view, did not
address the public safety concerns that we as elected officials had discussed
with our constituents."

Updates on the upcoming construction schedule
will be available on the city website or by calling 311.

Brian Higgins became
severely disabled at three weeks of age, losing his eyesight, ability
to walk or eat independently. Having lived only nine short years,
Brian's perseverance and spirit has had an overwhelming impact on
community and those that surrounded him. Several of the speakers at the
Tot Lot dedication became emotional discussing Brian and the multitude
of challenges he faced, as well as the smile that shone through despite
his adversities.

Brian passed away in 2002 and the Higgins
Foundation was created in his honor. It is a non-profit organization
that seeks to aid families and children with disabilities. 100% of the
proceeds received by the Higgins Foundation go to charities and
individual aid.

Mayor Curtatone, Superintendent Pierantozzi,
Members of the School Committee and several Alderman gave remarks and
thanked the extensive support the Higgins Foundation has dedicated to
members of the community as well as to the city of Somerville. Maureen
Bastardi, Chairperson of the Somerville School Committee and close
friend of the Higgins family choked back tears while paying tribute to
all that the Foundation has accomplished over the years, and all that
the Higgins Family has been through. "I stand here today wearing two
hats," Bastardi said through tears, "That of a good friend of the
Higgins and that of the Chair of the School Committee."

Once the
remarks concluded, the bleary-eyed Higgin's family took the stage to
unveil the plaque that will be affixed to the entrance of the
playground, that officially designates the area as the Brian Higgin's
Tot Lot that reads "A special boy whose smile was contagious."

The
Higgins Foundation, which hosts an annual Trivia Night Fundraiser, has
raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to donate to various causes
such as the Make a Wish Foundation and The Special Olympics as well as
more local organizations like the Somerville Recreation and Youth
Foundation. The Higgins Foundation also helps aid individual families
with their medical bills or equipment that their insurance may not
cover. To learn more about the Higgins Foundation, visit www.brianhigginsfoundation.org

***************

Federal
Realty Investment Trust, along with Mayor Joe, will be hosting the 2nd
Annual Fireworks Display on the banks of the Mystic River on Saturday,
October 3rd from 4pm to 8pm – just follow the crowd down behind the
stores at Assembly Square. Great time and show last year, this should
be just as nice – a great way to celebrate the new beginning of
Assembly Square for all of us here in Somerville, thanks to Mayor Joe
Curtatone and Federal Realty.

***************

Last
Thursday night at the Board of Alderman meeting the board, along with
the Mayor, honored life-long resident and great guy John McKenzie of
Davis Square. Alderperson Rebekah presented him, along with the Mayor,
a citation for his many years of service to the city. John and Marge
have been married for 62 years, his daughter Joyce who owns Nellie's
Wildflowers on Holland Street were on hand with a large group of
neighbors and family. We know John – he's a great guy – always pleasant
to everyone and a huge smile.

****************

Somerville
Chamber of Commerce member Marianne Brown informs us she recently
opened her own law office. Marianne is an experienced trial attorney
committed to helping the Somerville business community resolve today's
challenges. She can be reached at (781) 608-8230, or stop in at her new
office at 22 Mill Street in Arlington. You can also visit
www.marianne-brown.com for more detailed information.

***************

We hear some
shuffling of jobs up at City Hall, people moving around taking on new
jobs – Jackie from the mayor's office is moved over to work with Tom
Champion and Carlene Campbell was moved out of CDBG.

***************

The
other night one of our newstalkers was out walking around various
streets in the city and handing out copies of The News – and was very
pleased to find out that even those that don't live near the squares
read and like The News. The Farm Team paper is as big as ours is in
pages, but not in original stories. We're going to have a nice big
surprise for all our readers around the city very soon.

***************

Condolences
go out to the family of Patricia Leblanc. Patricia sadly passed away
last week. She was the mom of our friend Bobby Leblanc and she was the
nicest lady that you could ever meet. Patricia will be missed by many.

****************

This
week will mark the last meeting of the past two years of our own Jamie
Norton as Master of one of the oldest Masonic Lodges in North America –
King Solomon's Lodge. He will preside over his last meeting this
Thursday night to a large gathering of members and on this Saturday the
new Master-Elect, Jose Jorge, will be installed by the Kilwinning Club
of Boston in full Scottish regalia and pipes – the installation is open
to the public at 125 Highland at 4pm.

***************

The
Somerville Lion's Club is asking you to please donate your old,
unwanted eye glasses so that they can be given to and reused by those
less fortunate. You can drop them off right at The Somerville News
office located at 21A College Avenue – Monday through Friday 9am to 3pm
– just come in and meet and introduce yourself to our own Cam Toner and
Bobbie Toner and leave your old glasses.

That was
the succession law, simply put. Previous to 2004, the Governor had the
right to appoint an interim Senator, should a vacancy arise – but was
changed because there was a chance, albeit slim, that Senator Kerry
would become President, and then Republican Governor Mitt Romney would
be able to appoint someone from that party to occupy the coveted seat.
Protect thyself, indeed.

The change in the law removing the
right of the Governor to make that appointment didn't go over so well,
and the bill stalled in committee. Until Senator Kennedy started making
personal phone calls and it finally was passed. Now we have the special
election process in place – and let's not even get into how much money
it costs to hold a statewide special election.

There is plenty
of speculation as to the real reasons the Democratic Party
(specifically Ted Kennedy before he passed) would want to change the
law back, so that the (now Democratic) Governor could make the
appointment, even in the short interim between today and the special
election, which has already been scheduled for January.

The easy
answer would be that there would be to ensure Massachusetts has a
second voice in the health care debate currently underway. The more
complex and difficult to swallow answer would be that by having someone
appointed as an interim Senator, the Democrats in the Senate would then
have a 60 vote "filibuster-proof" majority. That is assuming every
Democratic Senator would be a locked-in vote, and that isn't likely.
The easiest answer lies somewhere in the middle of those two – where
Democrat-controlled Senate would push through health-care reform via
the simple, more plausible, majority-only "reconciliation" process.

The
problem is now changing back something from that suited the Party so
well in 2004, to what we once had, which suits the Party so well in
2009. That presents a number of problems politically in this day and
age of "transparency" – especially for Governor Patrick, who campaigned
against "politics as usual" when he ran for his seat. The Legislature
has it easy – all they have to do is say "hey, it shouldn't have been
changed to begin with." And bumble along whilst people's heads nod in
agreement.

The funny part about the discussion now, isn't that
the law should be changed back – everyone involved has come to the
conclusion that even if it smacks of self-serving politicism, it will
happen. The issue now is how to word the change back so that somehow
whomever is appointed, won't be able to run in the special election.