Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/category/letters/)
Dear Watertown!
As the youngest of four kids , I’ve spent my whole life watching my mom, Amy Donohue, give her time and energy to the Watertown Public Schools. Education has always been number one in our house, whether it was volunteering on the PTO, helping with the Watertown Education Foundation events, or donating to every youth group and sports team you can think of. When I was younger, I used to roll my eyes because she seemed to know everyone. Every teacher, every coach, every parent.
Thursday, October 23 – 6 to 7:30 pm – FAIR HOUSING: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Training Session
Kudos to City staff for a laudable effort to get the word out about this session. As a housing advocate, seeking solutions to ease the housing affordability crisis, I am talking to many residents and providers. I often hear we need a local place to go for information and support when people have questions about or have experienced discrimination. Please consider attending in person or by Zoom. I believe this is a great start for Watertown City staff and elected and appointed officials to learn more about these experiences and for renters to get the support and information they deserve.
Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Fellow Watertown Residents,
With less than 3 weeks left until Election Day (although you can choose to cast your vote before Nov. 4th), I would like to take this opportunity to reintroduce myself, David Stokes, Candidate for School Committee. Perhaps you have already conversed with me, seen one of my yard signs, read my literature, visited my website, or watched my video. Please read on to find out more about my relevant experience, my longtime dedication, and my broad community focus – which together position me as a strong candidate for School Committee! You might recall that I had the distinct honor of serving on the School Committee 2020-23, through the COVID-19 pandemic.
In these days of discord and conflict, I want to acknowledge and appreciate the many people in Watertown who are working to create and support a welcoming community for all. On Sunday, Oct. 12th, we celebrated Watertown’s fourth celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day and over 200 people, young and old, of various races and ethnicities, joined together to celebrate Indigenous people and culture at the Hosmer Elementary School. The mood was joyous and happy; many participants expressed their enjoyment and appreciation for learning more about Indigenous people. Together, in community, we were able to celebrate and support the original peoples of these lands. I want to thank our planning committee members: Jacqui Gross, Kim Kublius, Nat Harrison, Stephanie Stonefish Ryan and Maria Hendricks for putting in the time and thought to plan, organize and implement this event. I want to thank our funders: Watertown Community Foundation, Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment, World in Watertown, Watertown Savings Bank, Watertown’s Human Rights Commission and Stone and Skillet.
Dear Editor,
Last Wednesday, Oct. 8, Theo Offei, was the Guest on the Eye on Watertown Podcast. I was very impressed with his platform that emphasizing and incorporating important issues that involve all constituents of Watertown rather than a few. As an original member of the Charter Commission that established the current management style; Manager – Council under which we are operating, we set up Districts and At-Large Positions. The Purpose of the Districts were to allow lesser- known Candidates to have a smaller field in order to get known; elected and later vie for an At-Large Position; thus, having new faces. Theo could have taken this District Road to being a member of the Council.
Dear Editor,
I write to formally endorse Theo Offei for Councilor At-Large. As a lifelong resident who graduated from the high school in the 90s, I have seen Watertown dramatically change and continue to do so. The Watertown of 2025 requires leaders who reflect our community’s diversity, energy, and forward-thinking.
Anchored in understanding the power of community and importance of belonging and representation Theo brings a fresh, inclusive, and visionary approach to city governance. A father in his 30s, Theo was born in Ghana, raised in Italy and became a U.S. Citizen in 2020, making him the embodiment of change. With experience in the tech sector, venture capital, real estate development and construction management, Theo’s professional background gave him a strong grasp of budgeting and finance, housing policy, and infrastructure planning. As Vice Chair of the Resident Advisory Committee he has helped staff 24 boards and commissions, which has shaped the city in many ways. The role has provided insight into city operations and residents’ challenges.
We the undersigned, are thrilled that Sheila Krishnan has stepped up to run for Watertown’s School Committee. Sheila respectfully listens to diverse perspectives, builds bridges, and takes stands that will advance Watertown’s well-being for all residents. When she offers suggestions or opinions, Sheila takes stands that will advance Watertown’s well-being for all residents. Sheila is a deep thinker and keen observer. Sheila has proven to be a solid ally for all Watertown residents in a variety of ways and under many circumstances. Recent examples include her advocacy for the 2024 Health & Human Services Study and providing thoughtful feedback on the final report and serving as a community member on the Library Director hiring committee in 2022.
I’m writing to urge Watertown voters to vote for Sheila Krishnan for School Committee. Sheila and her husband Steve, both educators themselves, have chosen to rise their kids in Watertown because they love the level of community engagement they’ve found here. I first got to know Sheila through the Kingian Response Team, and we have connected over our shared interest in history and ongoing learning despite our different personal backgrounds. Since then, I’ve watched with admiration at her success in bringing together different parts of the community in service of our youth. She brings a rare combination of deep insight and non-nonsense smarts to complex problems. She helps colleagues get to the heart of the matter with grace and wisdom.
What an incredible day! Thanks to all of you who joined us for our Annual Golf Tournament on Sept. 22 at Windham Country Club — whether you played, sponsored, volunteered, or just came out to cheer us on — we raised over $20,000 for Operation American Soldier!
Your support keeps us going and helps us continue our mission to serve those who serve us. We truly couldn’t do it without you. A huge shout-out to our Platinum Sponsors for their amazing generosity:
The DeWitt Charitable Fund, Cornerstone Mitsubishi, The Pvt Shutt Detachment, VFW Post 1105, Point32 Health, 356Z Foundation, TJX, BAE Systems, Teddie Peanut Butter, John & Wendy Rocca, Danny Mazzola, Sky Meadow Country Club, and Watertown Savings.