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Monday, February 13, 2012

O'Donovan, Gewirtz Caution Residents Regarding Water Insurance Document

Water Line Insurance Document recently sent to residents

At Thursday's Board of Alderman meeting, an order submitted by Ward 5 Alderman Sean O'Donovan and Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz cautions residents, especially senior citizens, about a water insurance mailing that is being sent to Somervillians that resembles an official letter from the City.

Alderman Sean O'Donovan pointed out that residents can buy the water line insurance if they want to, but it is NOT REQUIRED by the city of Somerville. The legislative item reads: That this Board’s Committee on Senior Services and the city's Communications Dept. Take measures to caution the residents of Somerville, especially senior citizens, to thoroughly read and understand any information sent to them by private vendors regarding water line insurance, so as not to confuse such mailings as being from the City of Somerville; AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED That the City Solicitor coordinate with the State's Attorney General, Insurance Commission, and Better Business Bureau to insure the legitimacy of these offers, and to secure refunds for residents if they are not legitimate.




Alderman Gewirtz was outraged by the mailing and even commented how the font and setup of the document looked "official" and deceiving.

Please note that the Council on Aging has been notified and this will be the topic of conversation during a breakfast in March. Also, this may result in a reverse 311 phone call by the city.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Courtney-

In the video, Ald. Roche asks the media to write about this. Thanks for being the ONLY one who listened!

Jackie