By Joseph A. Curtatone

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

Budget season is upon us and in local papers across the state, we read about cities and towns touting spending plans that avoid layoffs or that maintain current services, as if the status quo should be a source of pride.

Tiffany Sedaris left us on May 24th. She was raised in Raleigh, NC but made her home in Somerville for nearly 25 years.

A talented, self taught artist with a child’s eye for color and form, Tiffany worked in a variety of mixed media including broken bits of pottery and dishware which she crafted into fantasyscape mosaics. Her work has been displayed in a local gallery and at Somerville Open Studios.

Kristi Savage, Argenziano phys ed teacher and Sabhyata Sedhain, Argenziano fifth grader, show of their new do’s after cutting their hair to support cancer research.

When Kristi Savage first learned last fall that one of her best friends had cancer, multiple myeloma, her first reaction was to offer to shave her head in support. It was an offer the Somerville teacher didn’t have to make good on until recently, when a stem cell transplant caused her friend to lose all her hair.

“Everyone who knows me knows I love my hair,” said the Argenziano School physical education instructor, who now styles her hair with a towel. “Everyone knows how important it is for me to have every hair in place.”

Moody’s notes City’s ‘ambitious’ economic development plans and conservative fiscal stewardship

Moody’s Investors Service has reaffirmed the City of Somerville’s highest ever long-term credit rating of Aa2, citing the city’s commitment to redevelopment, conservative budgeting approach and ample reserve levels, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced.

By Jim Clark

At approximately 6:00 a.m. last Sunday morning, on-duty police officers observed an argument taking place between two men at 252 Somerville Ave., right behind the police station.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone is asking that the Somerville Board of Aldermen approve a moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries through June 30, 2014, giving officials time to review both state regulations approved in May and Somerville’s own zoning bylaws to ensure the city will adequately address and comply with the new law.

By Sanjeev Selvarajah

Herbstalk takes natural remedies, foods, and lifestyle seriously. – Photo by Sanjeev Selvarajah

Like a scented candle seemingly extinguished with breath, the fragrance of the candle-essence lingers and perseveres with summer’s early breeze. Such is the trace of holistic and homeopathic medicinal aids. They bring you full circle by prompting a memory of a toddler’s lazy afternoon slumber or a surge of stubborn adolescent adrenaline. High and low, the herbs have a goal, and they mean to transport you to a frame of reference, the closest real-time capture of shamanistic astral projection.

Chief Thomas Pasquarello has issued a reminder to local residents to beware of scam artists, especially those posing as paving contractors, who seek to take advantage of unsuspecting residents.  According to Chief Pasquarello, the scam works like this.  A man knocks on your door and says he has extra asphalt and is willing to pave your driveway at a discounted price.  His high pressure approach confuses and intimidates.  You are not getting a deal, you are being scammed.

The city is taking a scientific approach to street management, looking to improve ADA accessibility and overall quality of roadway infrastructure.

By Mike Molloy

On Wednesday evening, the Board of Aldermen began hearing from city departments concerning Mayor Curtatone’s proposed FY14 budget.

They responded well to Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi’s initiatives and goals, which focus on language arts, math and science, and innovations to improve student performance. Although the proposed school budget has a 6.9% increase, Superintendent Pierantozzi stresses those funds will go primarily to student services rather than administrative costs.

Happy Birthdays this week to some of our fans here in the Ville and elsewhere from the Ville: to a good guy, Ken Ward, who is celebrating. To David R. Smith, former Editor here at The News. Former State Senator and good guy Anthony Galluccio. Former Villen and former Chairman of the Somerville License Board, Ray Trant, is celebrating.   And we can’t forget that great lawyer and Villen Attorney Mike Dwyer, because if we forget – trust me – he won’t speak to us for 24 hours. To Suzanne Bremer, who is celebrating this week and is also a candidate for Ward Three Alderman. We give send her best wishes. Also this week is Paul Cammarata.