(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 Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

Democracy is not a fixed object. Ever since average people first got a say in how they’re governed, we have been expanding our sense of who the stakeholders are in our society. Initially it came via violent struggle and later via democratic reform, but our collective sense of the “self” in self-government has undergone constant revision.

The HONK! Festival 2019 took to various venues and outdoor locations throughout Somerville over the past weekend, bringing bold and brassy music alongside political activism. ~Photo by Adam Parise

By Adam Parise

This past weekend, the HONK! Festival returned for another fun filled year. The first day of events took place on Thursday, October 10, with the Pre-Honk Festivities in Union Square and at Aeronaut Brewery.

(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 Benjamin Gross

This article is not an act of erasure of “marijuana” and other slang terms associated with cannabis or of the relationships certain communities may have with Cannabis sativa and its products.

Marijuana is a slang term for cannabis with roots in Mexican Spanish. Its original recorded use in English dates to the late 19th Century. Strangely, this slang term became official United States government nomenclature for cannabis in the 1930s. Why?

By Jim Clark

After receiving reports that drug distribution appeared to be taking place from the door step of a Prescott St. residence, Somerville Police began routine surveillance of this area.

The resident of this address, Steven Andrade, was known to police from various arrests including firearm and drug distribution charges.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. From Patch: “Bullying affects more than one in five American students. It’s easy to dismiss that figure, saying ‘kids will be kids,’ but studies show that students who are bullied are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, poor self-image, mental and behavior health problems and poor performance in school.”

Support for domestic violence awareness was one of many issues addressed by the Somerville City Council at their latest meeting last week.

By Lizzie Heintz

Beginning the latest Somerville City Council meeting with a call to action last Thursday, Council President Katjana Ballantyne addressed the city’s residents with a call to action.

“We are a compassionate community.” Ballantyne said. “Let’s further show our compassion by helping others find the help that is available here. You might save a life.”

Ward 5 Alderman Mark Niedergang

(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 Mark Niedergang, Ward 5 City Councilor

Statement from Ward 5 Resistat meeting held on October 10, 2019 (edited on October 15)

I want to say a little bit about my views on the Winter Hill Broadway bus and bike lanes, since that is a subject that we Councilors have received hundreds of emails about, roughly evenly split between pro and con.  I have asked the Administration to respond to the concerns we have heard about the new roadway on Broadway at tonight’s meeting and they will do so.  I have asked them to hold a community meeting and to implement some changes.

The publisher and staff of The Somerville Times are deeply saddened by the loss of Donald Norton, who succumbed last week to cancer. Our sincerest condolences go out to all his many friends and family at this time. Donald was the one-time owner of The Times, and in recent years served as its Managing Editor. We are extremely grateful for all the emails and calls from those offering their condolences. He will be missed by all of us here at The Times.

By Stephanie Hirsch

We start each City Council meeting with moments of silence for community members who have passed away. Some people we discuss are public figures, while others served their community by being the glue that kept a family or neighborhood close. As we hear about how they made a difference, the gaps each person leaves behind are clear, and I am always grateful that we get to reflect on their lives.  Here are two community contributors whose lives we honored recently.

Bluntly Speaking By Ross Blouin 

Somerville lost a tremendous friend last week. Donald Norton, well known Somerville real estate broker and outspoken political sage, passed away after a ten-month battle with cancer. Donald was a local character who was controversial to those who have so little to offer our community and beloved by all those who knew him for any length of time. Donald was a man of principles with the wisdom of Saul and a heart of gold. Donald did not suffer fools gladly. If he saw you doing something stupid or ridiculous he would let you know on no uncertain terms. It did not matter if you were a politician or a real estate broker Donald’s opinion would always be heard.