Applications Due December 1, 2023 

 The Somerville Local Board of Health seeks two new members, and all Somerville residents are invited to apply. The board offers an opportunity for residents with a range of experience, skills, expertise, and perspectives to share their talents and insights with their community. 

The Somerville Times gave each candidate in a contested race an opportunity to reach out to the residents of Somerville to pitch their candidacies. The candidates who responded are presented in alphabetical order:

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne
Mayor of Somerville Incumbent

I’m running for re-election as your Mayor, and humbly ask for your vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7th.

We have accomplished much together in my first two years, and, there is more to do for affordability, access to jobs, schools, infrastructure, environment, youth & seniors, social supports, food insecurity and more.

Lead your community in the fight against climate change and apply to join the City’s Climate Forward Ambassador program. Prior knowledge about climate change is not required. Up to 35 members will meet monthly with City staff and engage in discussions and decisions about climate change and environmental justice, learn about the impact of various climate actions within Somerville, engage in City-led climate programs and projects and encourage other residents to take action.

Host, Sarah Fishman speaks with Ward 3 School Committee member, Sarah Phillips.

Fleming, Mary R. (Crotty)Fleming, of Medford, formerly of Somerville, passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.  She was 75. 

Born and raised in Somerville to the late William and Helen (Morrison) Crotty.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the Somerville Commission for Women, and RESPOND, Inc. and residents join the annual Domestic Violence Vigil on Monday, October 30, 2023, commemorating Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

By Tyler Mourey

As a resident of West Somerville, I frequently use the wooded refuge of the Alewife Brook Reservation to briefly escape from urban life. After a stressful commute home in Boston traffic, a jog across the boardwalk that runs along the brook, past wildflower meadows, mute swans, and great blue herons, is often all it takes to soothe my nerves that have been frazzled by staring at brake lights, surrounded by irate commuters and blaring horns.