During a recent visit to the TD Banknorth Garden, Somerville Attorney Phil Privitera and son Payton Privitera met with Former Boston Bruins Player and Assistant General Manager Don Sweeney. Sweeney spoke about the Bruins accomplishments during the 2014-15 season and plans for the direction of the team in the 2015-16 Season. On May 20, 2015, the Boston Bruins named Don Sweeney the team’s General Manager. Congratulations Don Sweeney.

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)

At Harvard Kennedy School last week, officials from all levels of government exchanged ideas and experiences during a symposium on government innovation, from developing new solutions to how to implement those solutions to the problems that government must tackle. The key word there is “must.” Whatever the issue—climate change, mental health, the job market—government has an obligation not only to respond but to lead. Government has a critical role to play in shaping the future of its citizens’ lives, and when it comes to improving people’s lives, government is not just an essential player but the essential player. If we are to meet that challenge in an era of dwindling outside support and resources, we have to do more than manage. We have to innovate.

Stephen Picard.

A Somerville man was stabbed during the course of verbal exchange on Wednesday in the Porter Sq. area of Cambridge, according reports.

Police are searching for the suspect, Stephen Picard, 45. According to police reports, Picard is homeless and was last seen wearing an orange shirt and glasses.

The youths of Teen Empowerment will be spending some quality time with members of the Somerville Police Department, each getting to know and understand the other a bit better. (L to R) Officer Mike Wyatt and Marco Jean Baptiste

By Josie Grove

“When was the last time you saw five police officers together in uniform with citizens?” asked Somerville Police Chief David Fallon. Last Tuesday, five uniformed officers from the Somerville Police Department gathered with a group of youth organizers from Teen Empowerment, a group focused on building community in Somerville, Boston, and Rochester, NY. This was the first of seven “walking dialogues” between Somerville residents, police, and Teen Empowerment.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

Interested parties gathered last week to take a firsthand look at the former MBTA power substation that is now up for sale.

By Donald Norton

Last Thursday morning the MBTA held an open house at 76 School Street (corner of Avon and School Streets) for potential bidders who are considering making an offer on the property.

Last week a legend passed away, Ed Ciampa, a lifelong resident and a man who over the years contributed much to our Somerville. He was one of those good guys back in the days when Somerville had a reputation. He was first elected to the School Board back in 1963, served as the City Treasurer and then elected to the Board of Assessors. Ed was a great man who liked everyone, and always had a big smile when you came into his hardware store in Ball Square. He was active in many local groups here as well. To his very large family and many friends, we send our condolences. He will be missed. He was one of a kind.

(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)

I applaud the city of Somerville for taking action on climate change and its goal to be carbon neutral by 2050. In response to the 5/20 article on Greentech pilots I want to mention an important piece of legislation that would accelerate investments in alternative energy and green technology. Representatives Toomey, Provost and Barber along with Senator Jehlen have co-sponsored a bill along with 37 other Massachusetts senators and representatives that would impose a fee on the carbon content of fossil fuels and return that revenue to households and businesses.

We find it commendable that the Somerville Board of Alderman found time to address an important domestic issue recently. Whether or not it should be the business of city government to regulate such things as requiring restaurants to provide changing stations for patrons who bring their babies along is a matter of debate.

Ward 3 Alderman Robert J. McWatters made it official on Tuesday by submitting his re-election papers at City Hall.

By Donald Norton

Ward 3 Alderman Robert J. McWatters seeking his first re-election was at city hall Tuesday to submit his papers.

He has been walking the streets and been well received when he knocks on the doors of Ward 3 residents.