(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 Howard E. Horton, Esq.
December 7, 2022

The recently convened Charter Review Committee conducted a thoughtful process but, which, regrettably, resulted in recommendations which will only set the City further adrift from its core values and which would hamstring the workings of municipal government.  I make this assessment, in part, from the perspective of having chaired the immediate past Somerville Charter Review Committee which undertook, and completed, its review work in 2008.

By Fernando Cervantes Jr.

Rats are becoming a bigger problem in urban centers in Massachusetts and around the country, with residents reporting more and more rats everywhere.

Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton paid a visit to Greentown Labs in Somerville last week to learn more about the organization’s efforts to help solve the climate crisis. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Ana Celerier Salcedo

A sea of umbrellas was the scene at Boston’s City Hall on Wednesday evening last week. Crowds of Bostonians eagerly awaited the UK royals as a downpour of rain fell. They were welcomed to the city by Governor-elect Maura Healy and Mayor Michele Wu.

The City Charter is somewhat like a local Constitution, it governs the structure and functions of our local government. The City Council Special Committee on Charter Review is examining the Charter and will recommend changes to the mayor and council. The intent is to update the Charter where needed to meet the community’s evolving needs. Learn more about the Charter Review process at somervillema.gov/charterreview.

The shopping is well underway, and all the presents should be wrapped on time. And once the plans for the big day have been made, don’t forget to slow down, relax and enjoy the holiday season and all the finer things that come with it.

Eagle Feathers #268 – Reuben James

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

Reuben James was born in Boston and was a sailor and Boatswain’s mate in the United States Navy during the Barbary Wars. He fought alongside Commander Richard Somers, namesake of our city, and under the command of Somers’ best friend Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, who later commanded the Constitution.

*

Review by Off the Shelf Correspondent Karen Klein

In her foreword, Jane Fonda, actor, activist, and maker of the film 9 to 5, praises the women of 9 to 5 who built a nationwide movement, started a women-led union, changed the image of working women and “made it clear that women[are]workers in the own right…with rights.” She claims their story will inspire you. It does. I need only quote from the numerous examples of male bosses’ bad behavior toward their secretaries to convince you of the need for the 9 to 5 movement.

*

Our poet writes: Hello! My name is Kassidy Butt and I am a junior at Endicott College with a major in English and a concentration in Secondary Education. I have lived in Massachusetts my whole life with my mom, dad, sister, and two dogs! Writing is something I have always had a passion for and I cannot wait to become an English teacher one day!

Arrests:
*

Rodrigo Gutierrez, of Weymouth, November 28, 3:09 p.m., arrested at Washington St. on warrant charges of operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor and state highway traffic violation.