(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)

By André Leroux, Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance & Joseph Curtatone, Mayor of Somerville

Our cities and towns deserve a modern set of tools to plan ahead for growth. We must be able to ensure that development takes place wisely, spares tax dollars from waste, and protects our environment. Development proposals should be based upon community values and local planning priorities.  But in too many communities, smart community-minded development proposals are subject to legal wrangling and costly delays.  Meanwhile lower-quality proposals are often permitted more quickly because that is what our outdated regulations encourage.

David F. Mahan, 69 of Malden, formerly of Somerville, June 2, 2014 . Loving father of Sharon Talbot, Robert Mahan, Diane Veroneau and David Mahan. Brother of Judy Oliva, Susan Malizia, Gale Furtado and the late Robert Mahan. Grandfather of Ashley, Amanda, Samantha, Crystal and Kyle and many friends, nieces and nephews. Memorial service will be private.

The 2013 Yawkee League Champion Alibrandis is looking to repeat its success in the season to come. — Photo courtesy of Cameron Lynch.

By Ben Cassidy

In today’s Twitter-obsessed, live-in-the-moment sports culture, the word “dynasty” is frequently misused. Twenty-first century fans are quick to erroneously compare certain teams’ short-lived spurts of success to historic franchises’ years of sustained excellence, the essence of any true dynasty. Yet, some squads render these false equivocations futile by dominating the past and the present, all-encompassing strings of success everyone can agree epitomize a dynasty. The Somerville Alibrandis are one of these teams.

By Jeremy F. van der Heiden

The Somerville Board of Aldermen held a special meeting on Thursday, June 5, to hear Mayor Joseph Curtatone’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2015.

In front of a crowded room of Somerville residents, elected officials and more, Mayor Curtatone went through the financial assessments and performances of the city throughout the past few years.

Michelle Bates shows off her toy camera works of art.

By Jack Adams

The Somerville Toy Camera Festival returned to Somerville, spread between five galleries, the Nave Gallery, the Nave Gallery Annex, the Brickbottom Gallery, the Somerville Museum and the Washington Street Gallery. On display are 150 Lo-Fi and Toy Camera photos taken by 99 photographers. The galleries will remain open until the last week of June.

Members of the Somerville Board of Alderman joined with members of the Rodent Taskforce to examine plans and procedures that will be put into effect to try to stem the tide of rat infestation in the city. — Photo by Douglas Yu

By Douglas Yu

“If you have rat problems in your property, call 311 Somerville.”

This is a call from the City of Somerville to residents to address the mounting frustration over rodent infestation. 311 Somerville, part of the Mayor’s Office, provides constituent services that allow residents to obtain valuable information about the city.

The city budget committee hearings chaired by Alderman Tony Lafuente, began this past Monday night. First department before the board’s budget committee members was DPW and all its divisions. It was a long meeting but nothing out of the ordinary. Well, except for one thing, a position that was created by the Board of Alderman last year under Highway Personal called “FLEET MANAGER” which proves maybe you don’t have to be a former Alderman to get a juicy job at City Hall. A well-known figure here in the city apparently is the new “FLEET MANAGER” for the city. Ronald Bonney of the Taxi fame and past President of the Chamber and sources tell us a rather large contributor to various campaigns here in Somerville started work June 1. The discussion was around the salary and maybe slightly higher than the board previously said. Apparently the original salary with the job was $63K but a year later Mr. Bonney being the first person to have this job will now receive little over $80K. Board members requested job description, job specifications and skills needed to fill the job, the DPW commission Stan Koty promised to get the information ASAP for the board members. The committee meeting with just the DPW lasted was recessed just about 11 p.m. This week was Recreation coming before the committee but to late for press time here. A reminder that the committee’s meetings will be taped and on channel 22, look for it and you can go online to get the proposed budget, might make for an interesting reading with a bowl of chips and tonic! By the  way has anyone ever seen the posting for this job? We didn’t…Just saying.

Union Square as it was in the days of old.

By Mary Bridger

After touring four cities in four days the Somerville Redevelopment Authority (SRA) returned for another scheduled meeting at City Hall on June 5, with only the Abbey Group to tour this Wednesday June 11.

Eagle Feathers #54 – The Faithful and the Fearless

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

While walking by, biking, or sitting in Winter Hill traffic, many people have noticed the names of Reilly and Brickley on the front of the city’s fire headquarters and have casually dismissed them without a thought.  On June 10, Somerville firefighters will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Arrow Paper Company fire where two of their fellow firefighters lost their lives and five were injured. Veteran firefighter, George Janus, was buried in the rubble and narrowly escaped with serious injuries.   Four other firefighters were also injured trying to extricate him.

Team Red with coaches and Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd.

To the Editor:

On behalf of Somerville Little League baseball, we would like to sincerely thank all the players, parents, coaches, and everyone who was involved with last Saturday’s 75th Anniversary Celebration and All Star Game. On a picture perfect day, we were able to recognize and honor three volunteers who have given countless hours over the years to help Somerville kids learn more about the great game of baseball. Brian O’Donovan, Mark Ardolino, and Arthur Lanoue all received richly deserved Lifetime Achievement Awards for their selfless efforts teaching and mentoring the kids of Somerville