Feb 26, 2008

Aldermen Trane, Heuston and Connolly Appointed to National League of Cities Policy Committees

Aldermen Will Join Mayor Curtatone in Washington DC for March Congressional City Conference

SOMERVILLE – The National League of Cities (NLC) today announced that three members of the Somerville Board of Aldermen will serve on national policy committees for the Washington-based municipal association.  Ward 7 Alderman Robert Trane will serve on the Steering Committee on Energy, Environment and National Resources; Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston will become a member of  the Steering Committee on Community and Economic Development; and Alderman at Large  John Connolly was appointed to the Policy Committee on Transportation Infrastructure and Service.  The three aldermen will join NLC Board of Directors member Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone at the organization’s March 2008 Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C.

“This is an excellent opportunity for the City of Somerville to strengthen its voice on the national level and participate in discussions on the issues that must be tackled by cities and towns across the nation,” said Mayor Curtatone.  “I am very pleased that Aldermen Trane, Heuston and Connolly will have the opportunity to join their fellow leaders at the conference and lend their experience and expertise to committees that are discussing important issues and challenges.”

“My appointment to the Steering Committee on Energy, Environment and Natural Resources will give me an opportunity to share the successes we have had here in Somerville as we continue working to green our city,” said Alderman Trane.  “It will also give me the chance to work with other elected officials and to explore policies and practices that we may want to bring back to Somerville.”

“I am always looking for ways to serve my constituents more effectively,” said Alderman Heuston.  “Participating on the committee focused on community and economic development will provide me an opportunity to learn about strategies used in other parts of the nation that may be effective in a city like Somerville that has incredible potential for smart, responsible development.”

Alderman Connolly noted that he planned to bring his experiences serving Somerville to the Policy Committee on Transportation Infrastructure and Services.  “During my time serving as a ward alderman and as an alderman-at-large I have seen the benefits of public transportation as well as the need to continually invest in our infrastructure.  I look forward to sharing my experiences in Somerville and learning from my fellow leaders.”

The appointment of the aldermen was sponsored by the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA).  The City of Somerville is a member of the NLC and its local partner, the MMA.  Both are nonprofit organizations that advocate for municipalities on the state and national level.  Mayor Curtatone serves as a member of the Board of Directors of both the NLC and the MMA and as president of the Massachusetts Mayors’ Association, an affiliate organization of the MMA