What is Somerville
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whatissomerville.bsky.social
What is Somerville
@whatissomerville.bsky.social
What's happening and what's interesting in Somerville, Massachusetts.
It's reassuring to hear that Vice Chair Hunter agrees that this was just an honest mistake. I think that probably clears things up!
December 3, 2025 at 11:32 PM
With soooooo many more city staff being added in the past 10 years, I certainly wish we had more to show for it, especially in that small/medium-sized "things" category.

I've got time for shortcomings and failures! I'm running out of time for well-intentioned nothingness.

🤷
December 1, 2025 at 8:07 PM
But more often than not, it seems that the pursuit of perfection -- and, accordingly, the fear of imperfection -- defines how quickly (read: slowly) things get done. Both big and small things, mind you.
December 1, 2025 at 8:07 PM
And it's not that everything should be done faster. Obviously, in your biggest, most impactful things we should be striving for perfectly balanced perfection and execution (public safety changes, building safely, etc.).

There's little room for error on the most grave of issues, yes.
December 1, 2025 at 8:07 PM
I feel a lot of work/departments/executives have lost sight of the value in working efficiently and quickly. Sure, things might go wrong sometimes, but even having a point of reference for fixes and updates IS iterative. It's a lot better than having nothing to show from the pursuit of perfection.
December 1, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Agreed on fractious and on council comment. Feel like there aren't many metrics to go by. Not that everything CAN be metric-ized, but, you know...

I also feel that Somerville has a SEVERE case of "perfect is the enemy of good." Only my two cents, but it feels pervasive everywhere you look.
December 1, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Reposted by What is Somerville
My condolences
October 30, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Yeah, I think it is. Also might be Union Square Main Streets but I don’t know.

Central Square has advertisements for a lot of their businesses on public infrastructure in Cambridge.
September 13, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Reposted by What is Somerville
Councilor McLaughlin says that Somerville's new charter passed the Massachusetts Senate today, is before the governor for signature, and could well be on the ballot in five weeks.

He would like to not put that at risk with a last minute change to the rules.

16/?
September 11, 2025 at 11:48 PM
Like I said initially, still not a scandal and still something I think Democrats should do more (take credit).

But it's a tad obvious to ramp up the press releases and insert yourself into LITERALLY EVERYTHING like a month before your super-contested Mayoral primary.

🤷
August 21, 2025 at 9:05 PM
It's plain to see when looking back at prior years. Where the City used to announce things, "Mayor Ballantyne" now does.

The Ballantyne team is obviously trying to present activity and 'happenings' on their behalf.

I doubt we'll be hearing many updates from individual departments anytime soon.
August 21, 2025 at 9:05 PM