Steps forward for Somerville
Somerville Journal, by Carl Sciortino
Wed Aug 20, 2008
In the past few weeks, Somerville residents have won some important victories at the State House. Working with the Foss Park Neighborhood Association, I was proud to secure $2 million in the environmental bond bill for maintenance and improvements at Foss Park, which will help address ongoing problems such as worn-out turf from heavy use of the fields. Our delegation also helped pass two groundbreaking laws to promote environmental responsibility and grow Massachusetts' green energy industry.
The Global Warming Solutions Act mandates a major reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, with even steeper declines required in subsequent years. The Green Jobs Initiative will promote workforce training in the clean energy sector, and will provide support and grants to existing clean energy companies in the commonwealth.
We were also able to deliver progress on affordable housing in Somerville. Working with the Somerville Housing Authority, I helped pass legislation that will allow the redevelopment of Capen Court to move forward, with 95 affordable rental units for senior Somerville residents. This construction will replace and add to the previously existing 64 units.
Another major issue, as gas prices hover at stratospheric levels, is access to public transportation. With only one T stop, Somerville is dramatically underserved by the MBTA for a city its size. In fact, we have the second-greatest exposure to pollution and the least open space in Massachusetts. During my two terms in the State House, I've worked hard to ensure the state keeps its commitment to extend the Green Line by 2014. Earlier this year, we hit a milestone when a bond bill was signed guaranteeing the funds. With the additional Green Line stops and a proposed Orange Line stop at Assembly Square, our access to transit will skyrocket -- from 30 percent of our population living within a half-mile of the T to 85 percent.
As working families fight to stay afloat in a struggling economy, I was proud to support Gov. Patrick's effort to close corporate tax loopholes, which for too long had allowed many large, multi-state corporations to avoid paying their fair share. With the passage of that measure, we have leveled the playing field, helping small businesses compete and taking steps to reduce the strain on individuals and families. Fighting to close corporate tax loopholes wasn't always popular -- I stood up to House Speaker Sal DiMasi when he initially opposed the measure -- but I was convinced that it was the right thing to do for Massachusetts.
Finally, all of these advancements mean little if we don't respect the people of our commonwealth. One of the most satisfying experiences of my service in the Legislature has been working alongside Gov. Patrick and many of my colleagues to stand up for equality for all people and block efforts to repeal marriage equality.
Recently, I was proud to support Massachusetts taking another step forward for equal rights by overturning the discriminatory 1913 law that banned out-of-state gay and lesbian couples from marrying in Massachusetts.
I was elected to the State House four years ago, and Somerville has won some important victories since then. But there's still more work to do, from ensuring the Green Line extension stays on schedule to continuing to advocate for infrastructure improvements and a cleaner environment. This Sept. 16, I'm running a write-in campaign for re-election in the Democratic primary. I've been out knocking on doors and have enjoyed talking with voters about these new legislative developments and hearing their concerns. I look forward to the opportunity to continue fighting for the issues that matter to Somerville.