Commentary

Newstalk – February 1

Thursday evening, February 2, from 5 to 7 p.m., come join the members of the Somerville Chamber of Commerce at their monthly “Business After Hours” at the Independent Restaurant, located at 75 Union Square. It’s a great time to meet and greet and especially network with all the members throughout the city. There will be a free gift certificate raffle, so bring your business cards. This month’s event is sponsored by Respond Inc. and Hosted by Somerville Chamber of Commerce Business after Hours Co-Chair Dana Iacopucci, of Chubby Oil. Remember, everyone is welcome.

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February 1

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The View From Prospect Hill – February 1

It goes without saying that we all want a safe and comfortable place for our kids to be taught and spend a large amount of their time away from home. The question before us now is whether or not we should renovate the aging Somerville High School or build anew.

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Why can’t we all just get along?

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.)

The Republican primary elections are giving us a preview of the hateful name-calling that will characterize the general election. Name-calling is as old as civilization. But over the last quarter century, political “leaders” have made it the most potent weapon in what has become electoral warfare.

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Newstalk – January 25

The Somerville High Evening School is just off to another semester. The head of the evening school, Sophia Carafotes, is making a final check to see if anyone would like to register for the many fine courses she has going. One in particular is the real estate licensing course that is still looking for potential students. This course offered by the City School Department is much cheaper than from any one of the other real estate schools around. If you’ve thought about getting into real estate full time or part time, now is your chance to get your license for the rebounding economy that will need many more agents out there. Go directly up to the high school or call the evening school and register this week, anytime in person after 5:30 p.m. in the main office off the concourse. And remember, there are dozens of other courses available as well.

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January 25

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The View From Prospect Hill – January 25

We feel a great sense of relief as severe cuts in city services were fortunately averted this past week. The city’s negotiators managed to hammer out an equitable deal with the firefighters union Local 76, while assuring at the same time that many essential services and institutions would remain intact. For the time being at least.

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A deal we can live with

By Joseph A. Curtatone

Back in the days when I was a full-time attorney – and had to handle the occasional civil suit or divorce – I used to advise my clients to ask two questions about potential settlements. The questions were “What do you want?” and “What can you live with?” The recently concluded eight-year deal between the City and its firefighters represents a compromise for both sides – and because we compromised, each side got something it could live with.

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16 Candles

On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

My son turned 16 on Monday. Okay, I know that some of my friends that are my age have grandkids close to 16 years old but that doesn’t matter. I can be this dad and his grandfather! I got a late start, but it’s all good. It keeps me young and I am up for the challenge.

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The Massachusetts film tax credit

By Rep. Denise Provost

There has been an active discussion in the press lately about the Massachusetts film tax credit. Since that program’s start in 2006, we taxpayers spend hundreds of millions of dollars rewarding film companies for doing business in Massachusetts. The allure of Hollywood is undeniable – but are film subsidies good economic development policy?

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Newstalk – January 18

On Tuesday, January 31, the Somerville Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Breakfast will be held at Mount Vernon Restaurant, 14 Broadway, Somerville. Special guest speaker Congressman Michael E. Capuano will address issues facing the current Congress and will look to hear from Chamber members and guests on issues of importance to the business community. Member cost is $25 and non-members will be charged $30. There is limited seating so make your reservations fast by calling Stephen Mackey at 617-776-4100 or email smackey@somervillechamber.org.

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January 18

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The View From Prospect Hill – January 18

This past Monday, January 16, we once again came together in the spirit of community fellowship to honor the memory and enduring legacy of civil rights champion Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Mitt, Bain, and vulture capitalism

By William C. Shelton

Last week, Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry attacked Mitt Romney’s claim to having created 100,000 jobs as owner of Bain Capital. Instead, they said, Romney had practiced “vulture capitalism,” neither venture capitalism nor free enterprise.

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The junk drawer

On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

It may be in your bureau, nightstand, or coffee table. Maybe it’s in the kitchen or dining room. It’s the junk drawer. It’s the he place where bits and pieces of our past accumulate. It’s the stuff that we just can’t part with. All clumped together. It may be in a plastic bin in the back of your closet, but we all have that place that holds the things we have kept.

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Letter to the Editor: Senator DiDomenico recounts last year’s accomplishments

Friends,

As we begin the second half of the legislative session this January, I want to update you on some of the major initiatives that my colleagues and I in the State Senate have been working on during the past year.