Getting the highways set for the holiday weekend, a sound barrier panel  is replaced Friday afternoon on Route 93 over Temple Rd and Bailey Rd.

– Photos by Donald Norton

By Jim Clark

A Somerville Ave. resident returned to her apartment last week to find that her two bicycles had been stolen, after having their lock and chain cut.

The victim searched Craigslist online, hoping to spot the bikes for sale, and did indeed find bicycles listed matching hers by description. She emailed the seller to set up a meeting.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

By now I’m sure everyone has noticed that we’ve rolled out a boatload of new initiatives this past spring and summer. Our city’s ever-expanding agenda includes: strategies for transit-oriented development in Union Square; Phase One construction at Assembly Square; a proposal for a new Central Library; a call for a Community Preservation Act ballot proposal; the staffing and rollout of the SomerPromise youth development program; the East Broadway streetscape development; new parks; an urban agriculture ordinance, the arrival of the Hubway bike-sharing program, the soon-to-be public online Socrata data portal and much, much more.

Secretary Hartein, DTA Commissioner Curley, Rachael Plitch, Lisa Damon.

On Thursday, August 23, Ann Hartstein Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs taped two of her shows, Senior Scene, a program for and about Massachusetts seniors at Ralph & Jenny Center and at Holland Street Center.

Several City databases, including 311 work order tracking, now available to all residents; Mayor Curtatone to participate in September 20th webinar on municipal applications of open data model 

By William C. Shelton

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

Two weeks ago the mayor’s staff submitted an updated Union Square Revitalization Plan to the Board of Aldermen. It would commit the city to hundreds of millions in property acquisition and public-improvements investments over the next twenty years.

The Somerville Alibrandis have successfully taken their regular season winning momentum into the playoffs.

By Benjamin Klein

The Somerville Alibrandis have had a very successful season and that success has translated into postseason victories. Somerville won their first series with ease and recently won a best-of-five series over the Stoneham Sabers in order to advance into the Yawkey Baseball League championship series against the Malden Bulldogs.

– Photos by Kristen Hale

We submitted questions to the two candidates for State Representative, incumbent Rep. Denise Provost and opponent  Harry Kortikere.

Response by State Representative  Denise Provost

State Representative Denise Provost

Short bio:

I’ve lived almost my entire adult life in Somerville, first as a law student at Boston University. I was recruited to work in the administration of Mayor Eugene Brune, as Assistant City Solicitor in 1984. I met my husband working at Somerville City Hall, and we bought a home on Albion Street and raised our two daughters here. After the birth of my children, I practiced law privately, became involved in school, church and community groups, as well as Somerville’s Council for Children. These experiences inspired me to run for city government, and I served as Alderman-at-Large from 2000 to 2006. In February 2006 I was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in a special election. Since then I have worked full-time as a legislator, even putting aside my law practice. I have maintained extensive connections with individuals and community groups in the city, and have a child still attending Somerville High School.

Harry Kortikere

We submitted questions to the two candidates for State Representative, incumbent Rep. Denise Provost and opponent  Harry Kortikere.

Response by Harry Kortikere

Short bio:

I am a resident of Somerville and am a Ward 3 Committee Member (D) and a State Committee Member (D). I have graduate and undergraduate degrees in Engineering. Prior to joining Harvard Ext to pursue a Management degree, I spent over a decade in technology, business and consulting. I have been actively involved in politics and public policy for over a decade and have been part of various campaigns. I am passionate about helping local and small businesses, trade schools, promoting art and culture in our community, protecting workers rights, women’s rights and preserving our environment. I have supported the work of local organizations like “Groundwork Somerville.” I intend to bring a decade of experience in shaping policies that will help Massachusetts.