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. One news segment covered in the latest SNN is entitled: Taxi Wars by reporter Elijah Kaplan.

Questions: 1 – YES • 2 – NO • 3 – NO • 4 – YES

Question #1: Vote “YES” to stop the new law going into effect for automatic gas tax increase

The legislators voted to enact a law to take effect January 1st that would give automatic tax increases on the gas tax and those increases are to be connected to the CPI (Consumer Price Index) every year.   The problem is that it is automatic and we will have no say in either increasing it, or leaving it alone or even decreasing it. The law they propose allows no decrease in the gas tax. Accordingly, we already pay for each gallon 26.5 cents in state gas tax and another 18.4 cents for the federal tax, so that every time you go to the gas pump you have to spend about $6.73 for taxes for every 15 gallons purchased. Of course the legislators want us to go along with it. What is even worse is that they, along with AAA, are telling us to vote “YES,” and even using scare tactics in their commercials. Nowhere in the proposed law does it say what the money is going towards, never mind having new streets, highways and bridges. This law would just automatically increase taxes every year. Imagine, this happens every year and the legislators can in all good conscience say they did not vote for the increase because it is the law. Either way, AAA or the legislators must think we are stupid. The ad by AAA is misleading. Ask yourself what happens to the existing .44 cents per gallon. Where does it go? You might be surprised at the whole answer. If, for nothing else, we think our legislators should not make any tax automatic. They should go on record each year and then have the courage to make the revenue go towards improving our roads and bridges. If you agree then vote “YES” to remove this law. Check out the web site http://www.tankthegastax.org.

By The Times Staff

Governor

We support and are voting for Republican candidate Charlie Baker for Governor. He has a thought out plan and vision for Massachusetts.

With all that’s going on in the state now we think it’s about time we elect someone who will be more responsive to the needs of everyone.

Charlie Baker has a proven record both in the pubic sector under Governor Weld and in the private sector, saving Harvard Pilgrim from going under.

By Jim Clark

A police officer who was standing at the corner of Kent St. and Somerville Ave. last Monday reportedly observed a vehicle jump the sidewalk on Somerville Ave., cross the burm and proceed into the parking lot of the strip mall there.

According to the officer, the driver exited the vehicle and staggered towards the corner of the building on Kent St. and began urinating on the wall.

The Somerville Times submitted six questions to the candidates for Governor, along with the opportunity to include a short bio/statement. The following answers were submitted by the candidates:

The unused building at the corner of Avon and School Streets sustained serious damage to its roof during last week’s patch of rough weather. — Photos by Donald F. Norton

By Donald F. Norton

A long deserted building at the corner of Avon and School Streets lost big portions of its roof from the huge winds and rain that struck the city throughout last week.

The property, which has a huge fence around it and has been abandoned for many years, is apparently owned by the MBTA own. According to the neighbor directly on the other corner, former Mayor Dot Gay, mentioned that they bought their home in 1973 and the building has sat there unoccupied for all that time. She saw that a big portion of the roof came off and notified the city and local Ward 3 Alderman Bob McWatters. Alderman McWatters immediately put forth an order at the last Board of Alderman meeting for the city to notify the owners to do something about it and to report back to the Alderman.

The Somerville Times submitted 5 questions to the candidates for the 34th Middlesex District State Representative seat, along with the opportunity to include a short bio/statement. The following answers were submitted by the candidates:

Don’t forget next Tuesday, November 4, is Election Day. It’s our duty to go out and vote so we can have a say in what’s happening. Everyone should vote. There should be a line a mile long at each polling place. All the candidates that are running for office have worked hard for your consideration.

The repairs at Somerville High School’s auditorium are breathtaking. — Photos by Donald Norton

By Donald F. Norton

The Somerville High Auditorium is done and ready for use, after repairs were made for the damage that was done in 2012.

In January of this year, the Board of Aldermen authorized the city to borrow $2.6 million to renovate the Somerville High School auditorium, kitchen and cafeteria. All of these areas had been damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The amount was later increased to $3,090,000 in July. Some of that money used will come from an insurance claim to help pay for damages.

A unique advocacy and arts program featuring presentations by leading disability advocates, performances by talented poets with disabilities, and a demonstration of new technology that aids accessibility will celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month in Somerville.