Somerville Issues "For too long the needs East Somerville and Union Square have been ignored by state government and the state legislature. As your state representative, I will make sure Somerville is given the attention it deserves."

Finally, a Fair Deal for Somerville

Improving Transportation
Union Square and East Somerville are severely under-served by mass transit. Traffic is terrible. Many have to put up with long waits for dirty, diesel buses that spew pollution. It is time to extend the Green Line from Lechmere into Somerville and open up commuter rail stops along the Lowell Line. These changes would bring economic growth, alleviate traffic, and reduce pollution.

For too long, Somerville's transportation needs have been ignored. Somerville needs to come together to demand better. That is why I am working as an active member of STEP, the Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership (STEP), and that is why I will fight for Somerville in the State Legislature.

Small Business
We have too many empty and dilapidated storefronts on Broadway and in Union Square in Somerville. For too long, the state legislature has steered tax breaks to big corporations, while ignoring the needs of small businesses. To help kick-start the local economy, we need to help small businesses with low-interest loans. We need to revitalize Broadway and Union Square by providing funds to improve storefronts.

Bicycling and Walking
Somerville needs to become more bicycle-friendly and more pedestrian-friendly. The most important thing we can do along these lines is to complete the Community Path from Davis Square to Boston. A safe and dedicated bicycle and pedestrian route to Boston will help get people out of their cars.

Safety and Crime
To keep our community safe, we need to come together to demand more from government. While neighborhood watch groups and parents walking each others' children to school would be a good start, the state needs to support school-based anti-violence efforts, and good, safe places for young people to go after school. Quality youth programs are critical. I oppose Somerville's so-called anti-gang ordinance, which will create only hostility between young people and police. We need to let teens know that they are welcome as good neighbors in our community - and that violence of any type is unacceptable. I support community policing efforts to create trust and cooperation between police officers and neighbors. Community organizing can bring new and old neighbors together to insure safer communities.

More information on Avi's plan for safer communities and gun control