Here is what to expect on the latest Somerville Neighborhood Newscast. SNN is produced by the hardworking staff, volunteers and interns at Somerville Community Access Television. We hope you read, watch and share the latest Somerville news.

By Jim Clark

Police officers were dispatched the corner of Cross and Pearl Streets last Thursday on reports that a street level drug transaction was taking place.

According to a witness report, a woman was observed counting out pills in the presence of two men at that location, which is directly across the street from East Somerville Elementary School.

Location would improve emergency response time, offer more training for firefighters, reduce wear and tear on equipment, and make more efficient use of headquarters’ space

A new six-bay fire station on the vacant lot at 515 Somerville Ave. would provide a modern facility that would replace the current and inadequate Union Square and Lowell Street fire stations and improve response time to emergencies, expand training for the city’s firefighters, reduce wear and tear on equipment, and make more efficient use of the space at Fire Department headquarters. The city has submitted an order to the Board of Aldermen seeking to take the property at an appraised value of $4,875,000.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

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

Somerville voters have often turned out in higher numbers than the percentage of voters in other towns. And I hope that two weeks from now, we’ll see that same sense of civic duty continue that trend at the polls for our state election. But in September, Somerville had about an 18 percent turnout of registered voters for the state primary. That low number was unfortunately in line with turnout across Massachusetts for the primary despite several contested races—some without incumbents, such as the race for governor.

By State Representative Denise Provost (D-Somerville)

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

It has caught the attention of the Somerville press that legislation was passed this summer that will raise the limit on individual contributions to political campaigns from $500 to $1,000 per year, starting in 2015. Looking at this law only, it might appear that the legislature it is allowing more generous campaign contributions for everyone, even those who seem to benefit from particular electoral outcomes. This impression could make the “Pay to Play” ordinance recently endorsed by seven Somerville Aldermen seem at odds with the state law – here’s why it’s not. First of all, the increase in individual campaign contribution amounted to two lines in an eight page bill (about which there will be more later). It was included as a concession to the increased costs of printing, postage, and other campaign expenses since the $500 limit was adopted in 1994. It does not mean that state law treats all campaign donors in the same way, or subjects them to the same donation limits.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

On Sunday, October 19, residents flocked to Somerville Avenue and Union Square for the annual Monster Mashed-Up @ SomerStreets event, the final installment of the city’s annual Open Streets series. Approximately 7,000 attendees attended the free event.

Each week prior to the November election The Somerville Times has presented the Statewide ballot questions, along with pro and con arguments, one at a time for examination and further consideration. We conclude the series this week with Question 4: Earned Sick Time for Employees.

City residents and Aldermen weighed in on the “Pay to Play” ordinance veto at last week’s Special Meeting of the Board.

By Jim Clark

A special meeting of the Board of Alderman was convened on Tuesday, October 14 to serve as a public hearing on the mayor’s veto of the so-called “Pay to Play” ordinance, as well as to provide an opportunity for city officials and members of the general public to ask questions and make comments on the matter.

Somerville Food Day Weekend starts this Thursday at 4 p.m. The Somerville Mobile Farmer’s Market will be hosting Mobile Market Parties all throughout Food Day Weekend for #SomervilleFoodDay14! On Thursday, October 23, join in at 268 Powderhouse Boulevard from 4 to 7 p.m. On Saturday, October 25, join in at 530 Mystic Avenue from 1 to 4 p.m. Each of these parties will include: The Mobile Market so you can purchase fresh, organic produce at the lowest prices around; Live music featuring your favorite local bands; Children’s activities from face painting to the Somerville Arts Council’s MUSCRAT art bus (only at the Mystic); A food mapping activity so we can collectively map food resources in our city; An urban growing activity to get your hands dirty harvesting vegetables as well as learning how to grow and compost at home; A recipe swap; and a raffle to give away awesome prizes.