Supported by a strong backing for his progressive-minded leadership, Somerville mayor Joseph A. Curtatone was chosen Jan. 13 to be the 2007 president of the Massachusetts Mayors' Association (MMA).
The MMA, a subgroup of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, provides a forum for the state's mayors to confront issues affecting their cities and offer collective solutions, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association Geoffrey Beckwith said.
"The association includes all of the mayors of the commonwealth who meet on a regular basis with a common agenda to strengthen the cities and communities of the state," he said.
At the MMA's annual meeting, a group of Curtatone's peers chose him to lead for the duration of 2007.
According to Beckwith, this position puts him at the forefront of a host of issues including reducing reliance on the property tax and finding a way to combat high housing costs.
Although the MMA is a nonpartisan organization, the prospect of a new face in the governor's office gives heartening news to members who criticize a rift that grew under former governor Mitt Romney.
"I think, first and foremost, this year will be to re-establish a strong working relationship between the cities and communities of Massachusetts and the governor," Beckwith said. "[Romney] had delegated out the responsibility of dealing with municipal issues, and with the occasional exception was not fully engaged in working with mayors on a regular basis."
Curtatone stressed this deteriorating relationship when he endorsed Deval Patrick in the 2006 gubernatorial race because, according to him, Patrick represents a golden opportunity for progress.
"Part of the excitement is working in this atmosphere of hope and opportunity with the new administration and working together to achieve a true partnership between the state government and the municipalities," he said.
Curtatone also hopes that his visibility as president of the MMA will help catalyze changes at the state level similar to the "innovations, initiatives and positive things" already accomplished in Somerville.
Robert Trane, president of the Somerville Board of Aldermen, echoed this sentiment and said Curtatone's presidency will encourage other communities to continue to look to Somerville as an example.
"I think it brings a focus to some of the things we've been working on in the city and that we've put in place," he said. "I think other cities and towns will want to start adopting some of our policies."
Curtatone is partway through his second term as mayor of Somerville and is the second youngest mayor in the city's long history, only 38 on his first election day in 2003. Despite his relative youth, his peers have expressed confidence in his ability to lead, embodied in what has so far been an admirable track record.
During his tenure as mayor, Curtatone has, among other things, jumpstarted the stalled development of Assembly Square and increased government transparency and efficiency, as manifested in his role in developing the 311 customer service center that connects Somerville residents directly to city hall.
"He's been in office for a relatively short period of time but he has carved out a long and well earned reputation for innovation, for strong management and for advocacy," Beckwith said.
Curtatone said he is excited and honored by his election.
"It's only about my fourth year as mayor," he said. "It's a great honor at this point in my career to be the representative of such a prestigious body."
