Local Officials Not Afraid To Respond

Lately, it seems that city hall employees and elected officials alike are growing tired of false information and have resorted to responding to allegations and rumors via writing or commenting. Below, you will find a few examples...

Just when we thought all the fun had left the Communications Department with the departure of Tom Champion, Mike Meehan has proven to take some unorthodox methods of clearing up rumors around the city. In a move towards more transparency and availability, Meehan has begun responding to stories on local websites.

Here are two examples:

Towing Company Profiting from Public Land Use?

Published by Somerville Voices

Traffic & Parking Dept launches user friendly Web site

Published by The Somerville News

Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche, displeased with a story regarding his attendance at Board of Alderman SubCommittee meetings, submitted a letter to set the record straight earlier this year.

Heuston had highest attendance among Somerville’s aldermen last year.

Alderman Roche: I have perfect attendance at assigned committee meetings.

Holding true to her promise of transparency, Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz has no problem making a phone call to ensure the *whole* story is known to readers.

 Alderman Gewirtz explains how vote almost left out what it was about

Another DiDomenico non-endorsement

Alderman-At-Large Bill White submitted a letter clearing up confusion surrounding the funding at Assembly Square.

Setting The Record Straight