By George P. Hassett

Preliminary work on an Orange Line train station can begin immediately in Assembly Square because of a recent Federal Transit Administration (FTA) decision, according to Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone.

Curtatone said this week that FTA officials have given their assurance to Congressman Michael E. Capuano, D-Somerville, that the $40-million project will not have to pre-qualify for the FTA‚Äôs ‚ÄúSmall Starts‚Äù program, which could have slowed the process down. 

Part 2:  Penetrating the myths

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.)

Twelve million people now live in the United States illegally, more than at any previous time. There are many solid reasons why the United States should have a rigorously enforced immigration policy. However, these reasons have little to do with certain myths that have entered this debate. Among these myths are contentions that undocumented immigrants are disproportionately violent criminals, shirk paying taxes while exploiting generous social services, take jobs from American citizens, and threaten public health.

Off  The Shelf by Doug Holder

Tom Perrotta is an American novelist and screenwriter best known for his novels “Election” and “Little Children” both of which were made into critically acclaimed, Golden Globe-nominated films. Perrotta co-wrote the 2006 film adaptation of his book “Little Children” for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Perrotta will be the headline featured reader at the Somerville News Writers Festival on Nov. 11. I interviewed Perrotta recently for “The Somerville News.” For information about the festival go to www.somervillenewswritersfestival.com.

By Eleanor Goodman

Steve Almond‚Äôs book of essays, ‚ÄúNot That You Asked‚Äù has just been published by Random House to widespread praise.  He is the author of two collections of short stories, a candy-centered memoir, and a novel written in collaboration with Julia Baggott.  He also teaches at Grub Street and is the proud father of a baby girl.  He will be one of the featured readers at the Somerville News Writers Festival on Nov. 11.

Q:  I found your newest book, (Not That You Asked) shelved next to Woody Allen‚Äôs latest in the bookstore.  Is this a good thing?

SA: Yeah, I guess. I’m happy to be in the company of the man who made “Annie Hall.” And we’re both self-doubting Jews with wives who are way too good looking for us.

On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

(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.)

We’ve all had a few brushes with greatness. One of mine went a little awry.

I did a character named Blanche on the radio back in the 90s. Soon I was dressing up like this colorful bingo loving Kresge’s Basement shopper and doing appearances. We were doing a live broadcast in Downtown Boston and none other than Captain Kangaroo was to be our guest. Instead of trying to find someplace to put on my costume, I arrived at the broadcast location fully dressed (wig, lipstick, housedress and pumps). Hey, a gig is a gig. I was standing around waiting for the rest of the crew to show up and low and behold, there was the recently widowed Captain Kangaroo in the flesh. I introduced myself as one of the show’s members, but I don’t think he got it. I think the lovable Captain thought I was a real little old lady – complete with deep voice and a little stubble. He seemed to be a little smitten with me. I’ll never forget the strange look he gave me when I walked away. Maybe he knew Рmaybe he didn’t Рwho cares, I had just met Captain Kangaroo!

On major local issues there is always a certain modicum of conjecture, posturing and heavily opinionated political haranguing – that being said, the two most hotly debated issues in the last 20 years have arguably been the development of Assembly Square and the Green Line extension through Somerville into Medford. Regardless of what you might think, you can take it to the bank that these two projects will have the most direct effect on the future of this city.

Gov. Deval Patrick took a major step forward this past week at dispelling the popular “street” myth that Somerville will never see the Green Line extension by visiting Gilman Square and announcing that the environmental review and preliminary engineering for the project would begin.

By George P. Hassett

Aldermen are asking Director of Traffic and Parking James Kotzuba to appear before them to respond to charges that ticketing processes and policies in the city are becoming too aggressive.

“I have had a number of people complain about parking tickets,” said Alderman-At-Large William A. White Jr. “One person said a parking control officer took out a ruler and showed her she was 13 inches away from the curb instead of one foot. That’s one inch.”

350 organize for East Somerville’s future

By George P. Hassett

Hundreds of East Somerville residents met Wednesday to finalize and implement an action plan to preserve and improve their neighborhood as it prepares for rapid change in the coming years. Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche said the effort is proof of the neighborhood’s strong identity and sense of community.

“You wouldn’t see this happen anywhere else in the city. This is one of the neighborhood’s strengths, people can come together and solve problems,” he said.

Kate Dalrymple captured this video of the Honk Festival parade as it marched by her front door two weekends ago. Thank you Kate and we hope everyone enjoys it.

Local Somerville businessman and alderman at large candidate Tony Lafuente was busy at Fenway Park last week. He took time off from his campaign to dress up the park and get it ready for the playoffs. His company, Flagraphics was hired to design and construct the huge “2007 Division Championship” banners.

                                                                           *********

Clearly the so-called “Progressives” are strongly supporting life-long resident Joe Lynch for Ward 5 Alderman – noticed at his function this past Monday evening was the head of the Progressives, state Senator “Queen” Pat Jehlen, along with Rep. Denise Provost and late arrival Rep. Carl Sciortino. A couple of us that were there could have sworn we saw the newest so-called “Progressive” candidate for mayor – Ms. Suzanne Bremer.