State Rep. Denise Provost

By State Rep. Denise Provost

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

On March 13, members of the Somerville legislative delegation, and Mayor Curtatone, were briefed by John Dalton, head of the GLX project, on current progress. We learned that “three teams made the shortlist” for bidding on design and construction of the GLX, and that they were scheduled to receive the MBTA’s Request for Proposals (RFP) today. We learned what the process would be, leading up to the bid opening on November 28 of this year; the issuance of a Notice to Proceed on February 9, 2018, and a project completion date of December 10, 2021 – seven years after the legal commitment to complete GLX.

The Somerville School Committee wants to hear from you at their Spring Office Hours scheduled 3/18 – 3/26. Talk 2017-2018 School Budget and more.

Saturday, March 18, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Forge, 626 Somerville Ave. with Board of Aldermen President Bill White and Lee Erica Palmer. *También se habla español and Sunday, March 19, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Bloc 11, 11 Bow St. with Dan J. Futrell.

Ras na hEireann is the most genuine Irish race this side of the Atlantic. It is a celebration of traditions dating back centuries – and simply a celebration of spring in Somerville, MA.

All runners and walkers are invited to celebrate life, the coming of spring, and to enjoy a memorable race and St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This race was born in Ireland and named in honor of its famous sister race, the Ras na hEireann International Cross Country held in Termonfechin, County Louth, Republic of Ireland. The Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5Km is open to all, from beginners to international stars.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

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

When President Lincoln stood in Gettysburg and said our government is “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” he probably didn’t realize we’d still be holding onto his words today. Nor could he have imagined all the ways we put the “by the people” part into action now. Whether you tweet, email or take part in a Facebook live Town Hall, the options for ways to tell your government what you want continue to grow. But there’s an old-fashioned opportunity that – despite being easy and highly effective – many overlook: joining a local Board or Commission. So consider this my invitation to you, the people: consider joining one of our boards, commissions, working groups, or task forces.

~Photos by Bobbie Toner

The 2017 Somerville Parks & Recreation Fair took place on Saturday, March 11, at the Somerville High School Gymnasium. A fun-filled day of activities for all ages, participants learned about all that Parks & Recreation has to offer. For more information visit www.somervillerec.com.

— Photos courtesy of IAM&AW Local 264

By International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM&AW) Local 264

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

A large crowd descended on MBTA headquarters in downtown Boston on Monday as transit mechanics rallied with allies to defend taxpayers, workers, and riders against the latest MBTA privatization scheme.

The MBTA mechanics were joined by community allies and elected leaders, including State Senator Marc Pacheco and State Representatives Mike Connolly and Michelle DuBois (each of whom spoke), and multiple rider coalitions. All in attendance were united in opposing new for-profit privatization aimed at outsourcing core MBTA bus maintenance services.

Revenues from sales at the new medical marijuana dispensaries scheduled to open in Somerville were among the topics covered at city meetings last week.

By Joe Ruvido

In their regular meeting last week the Somerville Board of Aldermen discussed medical marijuana taxes and city elections.

The Somerville licensing commission has already approved two licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries in Davis Square and is poised to issue a third for a dispensary in Union Square.

Commissioner Salerno expressed his and his staff’s gratitude in receiving the recognition bestowed by the Board and the Mayor’s Office.

By Jim Clark

The City of Somerville Board of Aldermen issued a citation at its most recent regular meeting on March 9 commending the Elections Department on its outstanding execution of early voting in last November’s Presidential election.

Speaking as sponsor for the citation, Ward 3 Alderman Robert McWatters told the Board in remarks preceding the awarding of the citation, “As this Board is familiar with, for the first time in our state’s history we had an early voting and I just want to commend the Elections Department on a fabulous operation. As we want to do on this Board, we recognize all our city employees, especially our police and fire who are with us here tonight.”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, also known as Evacuation Day here in the Greater Boston area. We hope everyone has a great holiday and have a great time with all the celebrations going on in and around Boston. Here in Somerville we hear through the rumor mill that Liam at Sally O’Brien’s will be making sure that everyone who shows up Friday night will feel the Irish spirit and pride. We know that other well-known Irish pub’s here in the city will also be celebrating, so enjoy. But we’re going to Sally O’Brien’s because everyone knows your name and it’s all family.