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.

Joan Puglia wants more accountability from the BOA.

By Andrew Firestone

Joan Whitney Puglia was born and raised in Somerville, returning to the city to help her parents and raise her family in 1970. Working as an administrative supervisor at Tufts University, Puglia says that her experience working towards developing young minds, as well as her work with the Somerville Local Development Corporation, a non-profit that gives loans to small business, make her an ideal candidate for Ward 7 Alderperson.

Katjana Ballantyne says she will bring her business experience to the fore.

By Andrew Firestone

Ward 7 candidate for Alderperson Katjana Ballantyne moved to Somerville almost 20 years ago. With two daughters in the Somerville School system, and a host of non-profit and private sector businesses, Ballantyne has devoted her time to working into the community to create affordable housing as a past President of the Somerville Community Corporation, as well as founding two start-ups, Nilsson Associates, a design firm, and a company that specializes in Green economy.

So, we’re as happy as all that, are we? That’s awfully good to hear. What with the economy still in the tank, jobs as scarce as ever, and uncertainty looming eternal, it’s comforting to note how stalwart and confident we can be in the face of it all.

The “Happiness Survey” reminds us that it is to our advantage to count our blessings at the end of the day. Our society has made it through tough times before, and we should always be thankful for the good things that still remain to be enjoyed.