Our Mayor, Joe Curtatone was out in full force recently as he spoke to a very important group: those in their twenties and thirties.
The Mayor was center stage at the Burren, where he gave his State of Young Somerville address. The event was put together by the Young Somerville Advisory Group (YSAG).
Mayor Joe's task wasn't an easy one - trying to convince those aged 21-35 to stay in Somerville.
Curtatone wasted no time acknowledging the white elephant in the room - the cost of living in Massachusetts. He poignantly noted that many young residents are fleeing the state.
This is a problem that we have been dealing with for quite some time - especially here in the city.
Our young people are leaving in droves! It used to just be for the warmer weather. Now it is also for the wealth of opportunity that exists in the South and West.
Young people can stay here in Somerville with the high cost of living - or head down to North Carolina where a job in the Research Triangle and a house half the price awaits. Maybe go a little more west and snag a great tech job in Austin, Texas.
But that's where Mayor Curtatone really shined. He didn't just talk about where Somerville is now - he talked about where it's going!
More green space, the community path, assembly square, the redeveloped Inner Belt and the Green Line Extension!
Somerville is a city on the move!
What's more, Somerville is a city rich in character. An historic community with a diverse population. Fabulous restaurants and shopping. An urban oasis at the gates of Boston.
Good luck finding that in the Research Triangle! Not happening!
The antiseptic feel of those other communities will leave you wishing you were right back here eating your BBQ at Redbones.
So, the next time you stop by for your Somerville auto repair, look around and remember something - this place isn't so bad after all!
Keep up the fight, Mayor Joe!