Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/category/government/)
The Department of Community Development and Planning is on the move. The staff will no longer be located in City Hall. Beginning on Aug. 10, 2026, they will be in the Parker Building (the former school next to Casey Park). See details provided by the City of Watertown, below.
Daniel Lander. The following announcement was provided by Daniel Lander for State Senate:
Three Watertown city councilors have rescinded their endorsements of Will Brownsberger and are now endorsing Daniel Lander and his campaign for state senate. As Daniel continues to build strong support in Watertown, Councilors John Gannon, Theo Offei, and Tony Palomba, have endorsed Daniel because of his focus on building a State Senate that fights for working people. The three councilors endorsed Senator Brownsberger early in the race. But with election day just a month away, they’ve endorsed Daniel Lander because they believe in his vision for a State Senate that fights for affordable housing, supports working families, and that will partner with local leaders to move our communities forward.
Watertown groups will host candidate nights for two races on the Sept. 1 State Primary ballot on Aug. 4 and 5. On Tuesday, the candidates for 10th Middlesex State Representative will appear on a live broadcast debate. The following night, the candidates for the 5th Congressional District have been invited to an online candidate forum.
Daniel Lander. The following announcement was provided by Daniel Lander for State Senate:
Daniel Lander announced today that his campaign has been endorsed by UAW Region 9A, a union representing thousands of workers across the northeast and right here in this district. The endorsement emphasizes Daniel’s commitment to supporting working people who are strugglingunder the leadership of a state senator that does not stand up for worker’s rights. UAW represents workers across greater Boston, including graduate student workers at Harvard who went on strike this spring after Harvard failed to offer a fair contract. Daniel Lander was proud to join the picket line to support workers fighting for fair benefits, protections from harassment, and a livable wage.
Will Brownsberger
The following announcement was provided by the Brownsberger Committee:
Former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced today that he is endorsing State Senator Will Brownsberger in his campaign for reelection to the Massachusetts Senate. Walsh formally announced the endorsement at a press conference on Monday, July 27, at the State House steps.
“Will just puts his head down and gets things done,” Walsh said. “I have worked with a lot of legislators over the years, and Will is the kind of partner you want in office. He does not chase attention. He shows up, does the work, and delivers results for the people he represents.
In the first of two debates for races in the Sept. 1, 2026 State Primary, the candidates for 10th Middlesex State Representative will appear in a live televised debate on Watertown Cable Access Television. The debate is co-sponsored by Watertown News. State Rep. John Lawn and challenger Alison Leary, who is a Newton City Councilor, will be in the Watertown Cable studio for the debate on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026 at 7 p.m. The moderator will be Watertown Cable Anchor Jim Vershbow.
The tree hearing about four trees on public property on Channing Road, Elmwood Avenue, Fairview Avenue, was originally scheduled for July 23, but was rescheduled for Aug. 4. See the announcement provided by the Watertown Tree Warden, below. Public Shade Trees are protected by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87. The removal of a healthy public tree requires an advertised public hearing.
A view of the proposed mixed-use project at 9 Galen St. on the site of the former mill building. (From RMR Group Plans)
The large brick building facing the Delta in Watertown Square could be turned into a mixed-use building with six stories and 285 residential units and space for 6,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail.
David Solet
The following announcement was provided by the David Solet for Middlesex District Attorney Campaign:
Two Watertown Police Unions announced July 22 that they have endorsed David Solet, a veteran trial attorney and 2025 Middlesex County Prosecutor of the Year, to replace current District Attorney Marian Ryan, citing fundamental differences in their approach to pursuing justice and protecting the residents of Middlesex County. The Watertown Superiors Police Association and the Watertown Police Patrol Association noted that Solet would crack down on illegal gun trafficking, prioritize the prosecution of repeat violent offenders, and fight for changes to close loopholes in state laws that jeopardize public safety. The two unions join 25 other public safety unions and organizations across Middlesex County — including the Cambridge, Somerville, Lowell, and Framingham Police Associations — endorsing Solet in his bid to unseat the 13-year incumbent in the Sept. 1 Democratic primary. Lt. Wayne Hoiseth, President of the Watertown Superiors Association, said: “In our line of work, trust is everything.