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.

(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.)

One of my favorite parts of living in Somerville- particularly Union Square is its diversity. So many different types of people live here, and that means so many different types of food, businesses, art and cultures in this community. People at all stages of life, and income, call Union Square home – families, students, recent graduates, older adults and young couples all have a place. I am concerned that with the Green Line Extension coming to our neighborhood in 2017, it will become so expensive to live here that the people who make this place so fun and diverse will be pushed out.

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

Starting immediately, hard data and an innovative new statistical model designed to prioritize community needs and values such as ADA accessibility, transit access, and development of the city’s tree canopy, will guide the paving and sidewalk repair plans of the City of Somerville.

The Somerville Alibrandis hold first place standing in the Yawkey league 9 games into the season. ~Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

The Somerville Alibrandis Baseball Club maintains their first place position in the Yawkey league after 9 games. This year they’ve dominated the league, with only one loss so far on May 31.

Washington Street development is not just for low-income folks, but for middle income like you.

(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.)

What gets lost in the discussion about SCC’s proposed redevelopment at 181 Washington Street is we’re primarily engaging in a lighthearted low-income housing effort. While the mission of the project includes assisting in low-income housing opportunities, this effort is not so limited in its use.

It takes a lot of dedication and faith in oneself to make it all the way through school to graduation day. A lot of good old-fashioned hard work is an essential ingredient as well.

Eagle Feathers #28 – Bunker Hill

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

If you drive out of Boston over the Leonard P. Zakim (Bunker Hill) Bridge, the first exit brings you to Sullivan Square at the Charlestown/Somerville line. This area used to be known as Charlestown Neck.  The site was an isthmus, or small thread of land, that connected Charlestown with what is today Somerville.

THE RACE IS ON AND THE FOLLOWING CANDIDATES ARE CERTIFIED BY THE ELECTION DEPARTMENT:

MAYOR: JOSEPH CURTATONE,

Re-election. No opponent.