The All America City designation by the National
Civic League was created 60 years ago. Each year for the past several
years, two dozen or so communities from across the country have been
selected as finalists based on the hundreds of award applications
received each year by the NCL.

The City of Somerville was a
finalist in this competition last year, but fell just short – coming in
11th place – the top 10 communities are awarded the designation of All
America City each year. The last time Somerville was awarded this
designation (1972), the Mayor was S. Lester Ralph.

This year's
finalists typically created job opportunities through various methods,
revitalized their business and residential districts, reduced crime,
created more cooperative working environments between public and
private entities – overall, they have displayed innovation through
engagement, collaboration and cooperative endeavors .

According
to the National Civic League, each applicant and subsequent finalist
completed a detailed award application documenting three community
projects that address local challenges such as job creation/economic
development, environmental sustainability, neighborhood revitalization
and disaster recovery. One of the key factors in Somerville being
chosen as a finalist this year was the city administration's adoption
of "SomerStat," a statistically driven process in which the public can
engage city officials and staff about problems, needs and efficiency.
This process was originated and developed in Baltimore, where it was
wildly successful in saving municipal costs there in a very short
period of time, which increased response time of city departments to
resident needs. The twist on Somerville's version of this process, is
that "human interaction" is still a vital part, even though the process
is predominately data-driven.

This year's contingent from
Somerville included elected officials, city employees, business owners
and residents. The overall theme Somerville chose was "Improved
Communication." The skit presentation chosen for the head-to-head
competition was how the development of the Green Line Extension will
affect the sustainability of Somerville for the foreseeable future. The
group traveled to Tampa on Wednesday morning and will be arriving back
in Somerville on Saturday afternoon.

Instead, due in large part to its high residential density, the local economy is predominantly made up of small businesses that cater to the local community. The retail industry alone provides 3,031 jobs, second only to the health services sector. The average wage of a retail worker, however, is only $26,208. These low wages are one of the most worrying elements of the city's economic landscape, said Steven Houdlette. "Four out of the five sectors with the lowest average incomes are in the top five when it comes to the number of jobs they provide." Whereas throughout the city's history, the majority of Somerville's blue collar workers were employed in industries like brickmaking, meatpacking or automobile manufacturing, they now work for much smaller businesses–and smaller paychecks.

One bright spot is the thriving health care industry within Somerville. 3,760 jobs alone fall into this category, as health facilities in the area cater to both the local population as well as to the residents of surrounding communities. The average wage of $56,940 is among the highest pay grades in the city. It is, however, one of the few industries in Somerville providing large numbers of high-quality jobs, raising the issue of tax revenues for the city at large.

Supplying just .27 jobs per resident, a third of the amount in neighboring Cambridge, the city does not benefit from the high revenues generated by commercial properties. Already facing a $8 million deficit next year, Somerville is suffering from cuts in state aid. Without commercial districts like Kendall Square in Cambridge, however, it is unknown where large-scale economic development may take place. Keith Craig, of Strategic Planning, emphasized that the studies are in their preliminary stages. "Once we get an understanding of exactly what land is available for which uses, we can decide the sorts of firms that we'd like to attract."

Recently, Brian MacQuarrie, a seasoned reporter at The Boston Globe, published his first book entitled, "The Ride," which hashes out the details of the crime and discusses the transformation of the boy's father, Bob Curley.

MacQuarrie holds a Bachelor of Arts in American studies from Colby College, and a Master of Arts in journalism from the University of Missouri.

What piqued MacQuarrie's interest in this murder? "I was assigned, as part of a team, to cover the murder. We didn't think anything about it at first, but then, I saw that it was a story about a 10-year-old boy who was missing in a neighborhood and the community reaction," he said.

Shortly after having attended Curley's wake, at which he set up an interview, MacQuarrie wrote a story about the family's reaction to the recent death. Additionally, he crafted a story on the fifth anniversary of the child's death.

One day, MacQuarrie received a surprise telephone call. "They called me at my desk one day, two weeks before I was going to go to Afghanistan, and asked me about a book." After having pondered that proposition, he agreed.

Initially, it was assumed that the book would solely discuss the actual crime. However, it "became a story about Bob's journey on the death penalty and about the effect that Jeffery's death had on both the family and the neighborhood."

At the onset, "I didn't want it to be a "woe-is-me" story because it's not. I wanted it to be a book about transformation, about personal growth. I also wanted it to be a book about hope — to bring whatever good we could possibly bring from what happened to Jeff and keep his memory alive," said Curley.

Among the possible positive aspects, which Curley suggested could emerge are: the prevention of another child from being molested, kidnapped, or murdered, as well as saving another person from unjust execution. Additionally, "I never really gave the death penalty much thought, one way or the other, prior to Jeffery getting killed."

After a lengthy period of having not publicized his stance, regarding the death penalty, Curley decided to act. "I wanted to put it out there that I was against the death penalty." Therefore, he contacted New England Cable News for an interview.

Ironically, an anti-death penalty conference at which he spoke, took place at Boston College, the weekend following that interview. "It was a Saturday morning, and it was Jeffery's birthday," he said.

Attempting to lead an active life has helped him to cope. "Sometimes when I'm struggling, just a kind, simple act, works for me." For example, at the first book signing, which took place, at The Globe, "A lot of people told me they remembered, so vividly, that time — what they were doing and how they were feeling. Things like that really keep you going," said Curley.

Curley was acquainted with one of the individuals who were involved in his son's murder. "Salvatore Sicari was from right around the corner. He was just an odd kid — easily influenced. [Charles] Jaynes is a really, really, really bad guy. He's really shrewd. He just kind of used Sicari."

Soon after his son's death, Curley recalls his interaction with Sicari, "I was standing outside on the front stairs, and he was just talking nonsense. He was bringing Jaynes up a lot. I just sensed something [was] wrong."

According to Curley, if he had the opportunity to communicate with the two men who were involved, his reaction "wouldn't be good."

Several weeks prior to his death, the two stole Curley's bicycle. Coincidentally, shortly before Curley's son was killed, an eerily similar incident occurred in East Cambridge. However, that time, Sicari's brother Robert was to blame. Unfortunately, that child was raped in a parking garage near MIT, and it was not publicized.

After Curley was missing, an individual informed his father that Sicari's brother had just scammed another child, in the same manner, shortly before it happened to his son.

Jaynes was only convicted of second-degree murder and is eligible for parole in approximately 10 years, according to MacQuarrie.

Curley believes the reason is Jaynes' having a good lawyer. "No disrespect to public defenders, but Sicari had a public defender, and he got the worst of the deal." He was sentenced to first-degree murder.

"Sicari gave the confession. He confessed to being there to dispose of the body," said MacQuarrrie. Further, "When Jaynes was tried, they couldn't use Sicari's confession."

Do you want to know more about MacQuarrie's book, as well as the writing process?

"As a journalist, we have a way to compartmentalize," said MacQuarrie. He has written copious crime and murder stories, in which emotional investment is not practiced. "The more time that I spent with this subject, the more that I got to know Bob, I became invested, in a way that you don't do when writing newspaper stories."

After having spent a year writing his book proposal, the book "process" consumed 18 months, according to MacQuarrie. "Frankly, I didn't realize I had enough material to write a book until I was well into the interview process."

Curley's initial reaction to the book was positive. "It's nothing that I didn't expect. We talked about it. I wanted him to write the truth, and he did."

Conversely, Sicari and Jaynes' families "weren't receptive," according to MacQuarrie.

After having written one book, which was a "journalistic exercise," MacQuarrie is planning to write another, this time in the genre of historical fiction

Although the memory of his son's murder looms, Curley resides in East Somerville because "I love it here. I don't want to be anywhere else. This is where I was born and raised. I like the Somerville attitude," said Curley.

Curley is proud of his son. "Jeff was 10 years old. They offered him a bike. They offered him $50, and Jeff refused. He knew right from wrong, and he knew enough to stand up for himself."

"The best advice that I ever got, and I can't remember who said it, was, 'It's bad enough that these guys killed Jeffery. Don't let them kill you. Don't let them destroy your life,'" he said.

*************************

By Brian MacQuarrie

DaCapo Books

261 pages

On October 1, 1997 ten year old Jeffrey Curley of Cambridge, Massachuset
ts took a ride with two adults, Salvatore Sicari and Charles Jaynes under the false pretense of receiving a new bicycle. He was brutally murdered after not accepting their sexual advances, then post-mortally raped, and stuffed into a plastic storage box. Then the container with his body in it was thrown off a bridge into the Great Works River in South Berwick, Maine.

The Ride is the story of that case, one which is familiar to many in the Massachusetts area. The book works its way from the grisly crime to the years afterward. It focuses on the family of Jeffrey, heavily weighted on the life of Cambridge Firefighter Bob Curley, Jeffrey's father. Briefly the book explains Bob Curley's need for vengeance was what kept him going in the dark months following his son's murder. He became a champion in the attempted legalization of the death penalty in Massachusetts. He spoke out at the State House, in the media, often confronting those opposing his beliefs. Years later, Bob meets the father of an Oklahoma City bombing victim and the brother of Ted Kaczynski, gentleman who opposed the death penalty. Through their shared experience, Bob Curley undergoes a remarkable transformation; he becomes an opponent of the very proposed law that he passionately fought for.

Brian MacQuarrie, a Pulitzer Prize Award nominee and Boston Globe writer does a fine detailed and astute job in reporting the facts regarding this case and the lingering affects it had on the Curley family. It is a no-holds barred account of the emotional ups and downs that occur over the years for the family, placing the reader into the edge of their painful abyss. One can not possibly fathom what it must be like to suffer such a tragedy and then turn the pain into such important work on causes the way Bob Curley did. Bob Curley's work on child safety and protection laws is currently on the books in Massachusetts.

Bob Curley's life as portrayed in The Ride is a study of breaking and redemption of human spirit. The rest of the Curley family was and remains shattered by Jeffrey's murder. There are no words that can be written that could convey this by author MacQuarrie. As a writer he handled this impossible task with skill and sensitivity. I recommend this book as an excellent, interesting read and a ride into heavy emotional traffic.

They pick the top ten cities to be named All America City – last year, Somerville came in 11th – just missing out. This year, with all the development of the routines and the practices that have been staged, it should be a shoe-in.

The last time Somerville was given that distinction was 1972 – when there was a sweeping change moving through our city, the nation – the world. Times have changed dramatically in so many ways, but, we as a community keep coming together to celebrate our history and work together to create a solid future.

We have gone on and on and on about how beneficial it has been to have many of the events and civic remembrances we celebrate every year. Some have gone on for decades and others have been introduced and reintroduced over the past few years.

Credit has been given to the Mayor and his administration for heavily supporting and organizing most, if not all, of the events that bring this community together several times a year. It takes a concerted effort from local government, organized civic groups, businesses and residents to develop and maintain this level of community we enjoy today.

While we didn't quite make it last year, there is no doubt we will this year – and even if we don't – we all know in our hearts that Somerville is an All America City every year.

A statement from the city's election department released last week stated that since fewer than two candidates are running for any one position all will appear on the ballot in November.

Only four non-incumbents are running for the Board of Aldermen and School Committee. Mayor Joseph Curtatone will face no opposition for re-election – he has faced only one general election challenger since taking office in 2004.

Elections Commission Chairman Nicholas Salerno said the most accessible records go back only to 1919, but that since then there had always been a primary. He was reluctant to speculate as to why so few are challenging those already in elected positions, but said it was likely because of the increased scrutiny politicians are facing because of the economy.

"My personal opinion is there are just too many negative issues right now," Salerno said. "Also, there would be just too much money involved getting your name out there in this economy."

City Communications Director Tom Champion agreed, adding that the lack of challengers could be a reflection on the current crop of officials.

"Overall, despite the many municipal issues that continue to be hotly debated, people are generally satisfied with their elected representatives," Champion said.

At least two people in Somerville aren't satisfied with the Board of Aldermen. Long-time Davis Square resident Jim Campano is running against Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz and Winter Hill congregation leader and business owner Luis Morales is running for Alderman-at-Large.

Campano said he is running against Gewirtz because he is upset with the way she favors Davis Square businesses, especially liquor establishments, over residents. He also said she has too much influence over the Davis Square Task Force, a group of residents and businesses that steers community development.

"She's a control freak," Campano said.

Campano, who publishes a newspaper and runs a museum dedicated to Boston's West End, has lived in Davis Square since his neighborhood was razed to make way for an urban renewal project in 1958.

In an e-mail, Gewirtz said, "I think it's good when people run for office because it shows democracy is thriving. Ward 6 has always been a politically active place and I'm looking forward to continuing to get out (to) talk to voters and to run on my record."

In response to Campano's charge that she wields too much power on the Davis Square Task Force, Gewirtz said by design the group involves input from the Ward alderman. She added that her pro-business stance is geared toward preserving Davis Square's character.

"I wouldn't want to see Davis turn into Harvard Sq where chains have taken over and it feels like an outdoor mall," Gewirtz said.

Morales, who emigrated to Somerville in 1980 from El Salvador, is a pastor at Vida Real Church in Winter Hill. He said that as a dual citizen he would bring diversity to the Board.

The four current Aldermen-at-Large are Jack Connolly, Bruce Desmond, Dennis Sullivan and Bill White,

"They are good people but I think a team is a lot better when it's diverse," Morales said. "If you have all Anglos representing Somerville, you'll have a lot of issues ignored."

Among those issues, he said, is a general lack of concern for youth in the city and lack of input from immigrant communities.

"A bi-cultural person sees things mono cultural people don't see," Morales said. "There's a huge amount of immigration in Somerville (and) they're not going anywhere. They're buying property, but they're ignored."

Morales co-owns two East Somerville restaurants, Rodizio and Goucho, and said the experience will help him represent Somerville businesses fairly.

"I'm a businessman, and I know how businessmen think," he said. "A lawyer doesn't see what businessmen see."

Salerno said the city had discussed not holding a primary election as a cost saving measure even before it was discovered how few would run against incumbent officials. He said the move will save the city $65,000.

Morales and Campano both said despite the small field they plan on fighting a hard campaign, and that they were puzzled by the lack of competition.

"It's not the same Somerville I used to know," Campano said, noting he recalled as many as 22 people running for the four Aldermen-at-Large seats. "That's the way it is, nobody's interested."

————-

Next week: a look at School Committee challengers Christine Rafal and Anna Lavanga.

Among the proposed changes, which could go into effect Aug. 1, all streets in Somerville will become resident permit parking only. Parking meter fees will go from 50 cents to $1 an hour, with meter hours extended until 8 p.m. except in Davis and Magoun Squares, where the hours will be extended to 10 p.m.

At the June 11 meeting, Ward 5 Alderman Sean O'Donovan said he was upset that he and his constituents had not been more involved in the rate-setting process. The commission does not need the Board's approval to change parking regulations.

"I would have liked the opportunity to get in on the discussion," O'Donovan said, later adding he wanted the measures either put off or scrapped altogether.

Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz also expressed frustration, noting she had hosted a community meeting earlier last week to address residents' concerns. Among the displays of disapproval from the community was a petition against the regulations circulated at the Somerville Theatre.

"It is not OK in my view for the Traffic Commission to vote on a policy change without input of the residents," Gewirtz said.

Both said the commission had not adequately told Aldermen of the vote on the new measures, and that it had not been on the agenda. City Solicitor John Gannon said the commission had followed all public notice laws, even if the item hadn't been on the commission's meeting agenda.

Others, including Mayor Joseph Curtatone, countered that Aldermen knew of the proposed changes for months.

"This have been discussed in every Resistat meeting in the city," Ward 7 Alderman Bob Trane said. "This didn't happen overnight. To say this thing was a slam dunk is disingenuous at best."

"The insinuation something was rammed though is just not accurate," Curtatone told the Board. "We give more information out than any administration in the history of this city."

Curtatone did hint at the possibility that more input may be sought.

"We're not going to implement anything until we get it right," he said, "but we're going to get it right."

Action on whether to delay the new regulations until Oct. 1 was put off until the Board gets access to revenue predictions.

The proposed parking regulations can be viewed at: http://www.somervillechamber.org/news_images/5_25_09/09newparkingregs.pdf