“It is not personal, it is business”

Gewirtz critiques home rule petition

by Neil W. McCabe

Two members of the city’s Beacon Hill delegation expressed skepticism for Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone’s creation of a municipal hearing officer, which requires state approval through a home rule petition.

Will the condo conversion ordinance disappear?
By George P. Hassett

The public hearing for a controversial piece of legislation designed to strengthen tenants rights was cancelled this week. A meeting had been scheduled for Oct. 10 at 7:00 p.m. for public input on possible changes to Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone‚Äôs proposed  condominium conversion ordinance.

Reality Bites for the week of Oct. 4

Don‚Äôt like what‚Äôs going on in this city?  Go fluff yourself
   

I spend a lot more time than most people in a lot of different cities and towns in the Commonwealth as a result of my main source of income ‚Äì as a real estate appraiser.  I can tell you from personal experience that every one of them has their own little idiosyncrasies, putting it mildly.  Some are family and group event driven, some are industry driven, some are college driven and then the rest seem to be politically driven.

News Talk for the week of October 4

The paper received a Letter to the Editor (see page 2 September 20th) regarding our ‚Äúshort obituary‚Äù on Former Mayor Larry Bretta and his tenure as Mayor.  The guy who wrote the letter – a Senior Attorney at Cambridge/Somerville Legal Offices – chastising us for not mentioning the bad things Larry did when he was Mayor in the obituary.  Mr. Kaplan we all know what happened ‚Äì apparently you don‚Äôt – you might want to check your facts first before you talk bullshit about a dead man ‚Äì you‚Äôre a good reason there are a million lawyer jokes.  Mr. Kaplan, the man is dead ‚Äì you weren‚Äôt around when he was Mayor or when he was indicted, maybe you should find out how your agency got funded in the first place – so you could have a job‚Ķbetter yet, check your facts like a good lawyer should – it was Mayor Ralph who did the building and rebuilding of the schools and was known as the ‚Äúreformer‚Äù in the City, which was long before Mayor Brune – who built the Police Station over the old MTA Car Barn.  Speaking ill of the dead is easy because they can‚Äôt defend themselves – be nice and maybe someone will say a prayer for you when your time comes.  Your statements in that letter are typical third hand bullshit ‚Äì but just like everyone else on the planet who jumps to conclusions ‚Äì you weren‚Äôt there and your opinion is a waste of time to even read.  Regardless of what you might think about Former Mayor Bretta, he paid his dues and he is in a better place now ‚Äì leave him be and move onto something of substance.

Ducassse found not guilty of first degree murder

Nadler Ducasse, age 20, was found not guilty of first degree murder at 12:35 p.m. today and guilty of the lesser charges of involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an aaccident after death.

Cop fired, but why?
Union Prez: Vernon Street home the key
By George P. Hassett

Scott Trant was an honorable police officer in 2004. That year he entered a burning building at 78-80 Flint St. to help rescue an elderly couple from the second floor. But two weeks ago, Trant was fired from the Somerville Police Department by Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone.
    Curtatone and other city officials refused to comment on why Trant was fired, but Patrolmen‚Äôs Union President Jack Leutcher, who is advising the officer in his appeal with the state Civil Service Commission, said the firing is a result of Trant‚Äôs attempt to purchase a Vernon Street home.

"What the Fluff?" in Union Square

Today, Somerville celebrated the innovation of one of its native sons — Archibald Query’s 1917 creation of that marshmallow foodstuff we all know and love, fluff. Children played with it, scientists experimented with it and artists interpreted it, but to see all the pictures and to read all the praise for fluff, you will have to check out the Wednesday edition of The Somerville News, available at over 150 locations throughout the city. 

O’Donovan speaks
By George P. Hassett

Ward 5 Alderman Sean T. O’Donovan Thursday explained why he withdrew zoning amendments he submitted in July last week that would have begun the process to allow a 200 unit condominium at 56 and 61 Clyde Street. When he withdrew the amendments Sept. 21 he did so without explanation or comment, declined to speak with the press and failed to return repeated phone calls and e-mails.
Thursday he explained his action.

Police: Angry constituent asked for alderman, then pulled a gun on motorist

By George P. Hassett

A 36 year old Beacon Street man who allegedly stuck a gun in another man’s face over a traffic dispute Thursday night had just left City Hall where he tried to speak with his ward alderman about parking conditions on Beacon Street.

News Talk for the week of Sept. 27

The hearing on Max Pak was scheduled for last Thursday with about 20-30 people showing up to see Alderman Sean O‚ÄôDonovan withdraw the zoning proposal.  Lots of residents were shocked and nobody‚Äôs talking – except we heard that a long time resident suggested/threatened some city officials, saying that they might want to withdraw it.  We heard that a lot of luncheons and dinners were held by KSS Development member Mr. Smith (the Kennedy connection) over the past few months ‚Äì so this isn‚Äôt making him happy either.  As of now we hear its status quo – except don‚Äôt be surprised when you hear they sold the parcel to another developer or organization – we won‚Äôt be.