By Jim Clark

Loss Prevention personnel at the K-MART store on Middlesex Avenue got more than they bargained for when they detained an alleged shoplifter last Sunday, according to reports.

By Mayor 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.)

During the past month, a lot of our focus in Somerville has been placed on the delay of the Green Line project. Yet we do have some good news on the mass transit front: the MBTA is set to approve the contract for the construction of the new Orange Line station in Assembly Square at its October 5 board meeting.

Set your inner Brazilian free this Saturday at Brasileiro in Union Square.

By Cathleen Twardzik

If you enjoy, fantastic music, delectable food, a good soccer competition, and traditional dances, then make the trek to Brasileiro, which will hit Union Square on September 10 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.  A rain date of September 11 has been set.

The day will feature local businesses and artisans, all of who will sell their products to participants. Brasileiro will also celebrate Brazilian culture in the area directly surrounding Union Square.

Teens and cops find common ground by establishing open, trusting, and honest dialogue between them.

Thirteen Somerville youth and eleven new police officers gathered at the Somerville Youth Center on August 16 with the goal of breaking down the stereotypes each group has of the other and looking for ways to work together to increase community safety. The dialogue was a part of the final stages of training for the new officers, fresh from the Police Academy.

By Jim Clark

While investigating a case of taxi fare evasion last Monday, a Somerville police officer met with resistance from the alleged offender and was struck several times as he tried to subdue and restrain the suspect outside of his home on Broadway, police said.

Arrests:
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Colin Kiley, 30, of 48 Putnam St., August 29, 3:12 a.m., arrested at 137 Washington St. on a charge of operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor.

Vincent Distasio, 28, of 17 Crocker St., August 30, 12:43 a.m., arrested at Broadway on a charge of operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

– Photos by Emily Zilm, Matthew Modoono and  Alonso Nichols/Tufts University

Tuesday, September 6, was the deadline for candidates to report on their fundraising totals up to the end of the summer.   In the election to replace Aldermen Walter Pero in Ward 4, first time candidate and newcomer Christine Barber collected an impressive $12,732. After a quick look at her report, however, you would be wondering if she’s running for office in Cambridge, Amherst, or even San Francisco! You see, the vast majority of her supporters have one thing in common – they DON’T live in Ward 4, or even in the city of Somerville! According to her report, (on the city web site) about 6% of her monies come from Ward 4 residents who can actually vote for her on Election Day. Less than 20% even come from within the city limits. About 75% of her funds raised were from outside of the city. She, unlike all the rest of the candidates running for public office, is using a bank with no branches in Somerville. We found this to be unusual considering the funds raised by others running and their expenses. Everyone else we could see has funds from Somerville residents collected and deposited at a Somerville bank. So let’s see, she doesn’t own property and she isn’t from here. She has collected a huge amount of money from outside of the city, uses an out of city bank, and we have to wonder what she would do if she were elected and who would she actually represent? FYI – her opponent, Tony Lafuente, shows he raised just over 15K but most of his donations were from Somerville residents and he uses a Somerville bank. Go online to the city web site to check out all the candidates for public office.

Next week on September 13, the city will host the Ward 7 primary election to determine the next candidate for Alderman. Running alongside Ward 7 Alderman Robert “Bob” Trane are up-and-comers Joan Whitney Puglia and Katjana Ballantyne. Both feel that they have the expertise to unseat the incumbent, leading some to believe a contentious election might be afoot. The Somerville News sat down to interview all three candidates, so they might tell you in their own words what makes them the best choice.

Ward 7 Alderman Bob Trane boasts seven years in the chamber. ~Photo by Andrew Firestone

By Andrew Firestone

As an incumbent, Alderman Bob Trane has had a lot to face down in this election for Ward 7 alderman. Several months ago, Trane was put out of commission following serious injury in a car accident in which he was struck from behind. Returning to duty, Trane is touting his work in “thinking outside the box” and his time of service to the city as Alderman since 2004 in his re-election bid.