How many Somerville city workers does it take to change a light bulb?

[bostonartist.livejournal.com]

Hey everyone, I really need your help to solve a simple problem!

About 3 months ago the overhead street light in front of my place burned out. I figured someone from the city's department of public works would come by at some point and fix it. After a few weeks when that did not happen I called the Somerville DPW and was told that the city's chief electrician was in charge of such problems. I was then connected to him. He informed me that he relays the info of burned out street light locations to someone at NSTAR and NSTAR would come and fix it.

Well it has been 3 months and I have called the Somerville DPW at least 6 times and all I get are excuses about NSTAR. I have called NSTAR directly but the people at NSTAR don't even know where to direct such inquires and they won't tell me who is in charge of such repairs. They simply take my name an number and NOTHING happens.

It is PITCH BLACK out in front of my place and I am concerned about break-ins and general safety.

Does anyone have any ideas of how to rattle the Somerville DPW or NSTAR in to fixing this SIMPLE light???

Thanks for any ideas!

Comments

[jadelennox]

I don't have an electric bill on me, but look at the back to see if there's a phone number to complain to the state. When I was having terrible problems with the phone company once, I called the state office which they're required by law to put in (very small, almost illegible) letters on the back of every page of the phone bill, and suddenly they fixed everything. It was great.

Other than that, I agree with the people who suggested calling the mayor's office. Ask him if his commitment to safety which includes harassing random kids because they might be gangs extends to getting a simple streetlight replaced. If the office says they can't help (which I doubt), ask if the mayor's office elite that would like the Somerville Journal to know their decision. But I don't think it will come to that.