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.)

In Washington, hopes for a “grand bargain” on spending and revenues have been revived by President Obama’s convincing win in the November 6th election. Publicly, Republicans are still refusing even to consider the idea that wealthier Americans should be required to pay Clinton-era tax rates (not that those rates seemed to dampen economic growth in the Clinton era) but even the GOP leadership in the House of Representatives knows that their position has been weakened and that some compromise is called for.

By William C. Shelton

(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.)

There is a lively online discussion on The Somerville News website. Its primary topic is the city’s reconstruction plan for Beacon Street. A secondary one is its banishing from official communications the term “illegal immigrant” when describing people who are in the country illegally.

Pictured (L to R): Somerville Kiwanis President Isaac Machado, Somerville Lions President Gene Brune, and Somerville Rotarian Paul Stanton standing in for Rotary President Mark Alston-Follansbee.– Photo by William Tauro

The three Somerville service clubs held their Annual Tri-Club Thanksgiving Luncheon on Tuesday at the Mount Vernon Restaurant In Somerville, hosted by the Somerville Rotary Club. There were raffles and check presentations followed by a wonderful meal served to the attending fellow members with all proceeds of the event to benefit Project Soup and local homeless shelters.

– Photo by Bobbie Toner

This year’s Somerville High Thanksgiving Pie sale was a great success. Students in the Culinary Arts program baked over 600 pies this year. Students started their school day earlier than usual this week to fill all those orders in time for pick ups on Tuesday.

Thanksgiving was celebrated at the Ralph & Jenny Center with over 70 people attending.  A great meal was served and the place was beautiful decorated by Center Director Didi Elenanzih.

– Photos by William Tauro

The Gene Brune Retirement party was held at the Somerville Holiday Inn on Sunday evening.

Boat owners at the Winter Hill Yacht Club are among those complaining about the dust being kicked up at the Assembly Square construction site.– Photo by William Tauro

Neighbors claim damage to property and health
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By Elizabeth Sheeran

The holiday spirit may not be the only thing in the air around Assembly Square these days. Abutters say construction at the new Assembly Row development is kicking up toxic dust that is causing damage to private property, and raising health concerns.

By Jim Clark

The brother of a man facing multiple charges relating to a shooting incident that took place on November 11 is reaching out in defense of his brother’s actions.

Jacques Dessin told The Somerville News that his brother, Santano Dessin, is being misrepresented in the media as having taken inappropriate action against those who were, in fact, attacking him. He insists that his brother was acting solely in self-defense.

A reminder to save the date for a benefit fundraiser for our good friend Rick Barletta to help support with his recovery from his horrific accident. He sustained permanent injuries in a near fatal motorcycle crash this past May. The benefit will help raise money to help with his care for him and his family. Rick is a very strong willed person and has what it takes to overcome this tragic situation. His Benefit will be held on Saturday, November 24, at the Winter Hill Yacht Club located at 78 Foley Street in Somerville (Assembly Square by the river) from 6 p.m. with a $20 cover charge, which will include admission, dancing, buffet, DJ, a cash bar and a raffle to help Rick and his family with the cost of his care as he heals and tries to get rolling again. Any donations for the raffle would be greatly appreciated. Please contact, Jeaneen Barletta, at jeanen.barletta@facebook.com or Billy Tauro at 617 293-2016 or wmtauro@bostonnewsgroup.com for more information.

By William Tauro

Somerville’s Mayor and the Board of Aldermen presented Former Mayor and soon to be retired Registrar of Deeds Gene Brune with a citation in honor of his many years in public service.