Cronin, DeSalvatore Make Up; Train Gets a Look

A couple from the paper today:

City Councilor Ted DeSalvatore and Police Chief Edward Cronin sat next to each other and didn't break into a slap fight yesterday, as they said they mended ways and are committed to fighting the crime situation on Elm Street.

Beyond the political news of DeSalvatore and Cronin at least publicly claiming peace, there's the news that the city is throwing a bunch of resources into the neighborhood. Walking patrols are in place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., street cleaning and sidewalk repairs are on the way, and code officials are going to take a close look at properties in the area. It's the kind of serious attention a problem like this needs, and it's a good step for that area.

Also, some state and federal officials took a ride on the commuter rail yesterday. The story says they "traveled the line from Boston to Fitchburg" yesterday. We think that means they rode the entire line, starting in Boston. If so, we only hope (but doubt) they took a non-express, rush-hour train, so they could get the full experience of the packed, slow ride to South Acton and then the rest of the ride beyond.

This train thing is going to be a slow process, but a necessary one for the city. There's a lot of money -- and a big initiative -- at stake here. It deserves a close watching.

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OK, one last time: We're on "Politically Speaking" tonight. Tell a neighbor.