I feel lucky to live in Watertown. Five years ago, my wife and I moved our family here, to her childhood home, looking for connection, community, and a place to put down roots. We found all of that in abundance. From the start, I felt welcomed into this diverse, close-knit, and deeply engaged city.
I’m running for Councilor At-Large to build on Watertown’s positive trajectory and add a fresh, underrepresented perspective to its leadership. Tip O’Neill once said, “all politics is local.” At a concerning time in our nation, when much feels beyond our control, the choices we make locally — about housing, schools, transportation, and public space — have real power to improve our quality of life and reflect our shared values.
I was born in Accra, Ghana and raised in Reggio Emilia, Italy, before moving to the United States for college and proudly becoming a U.S. citizen in 2020. As an immigrant, I’ve seen first-hand the power of education, opportunity, and community to change lives. That experience drives me to fight for a Watertown where residents from every background can contribute and thrive.
The Comprehensive Plan, Climate & Energy Plan, and Watertown Square Area Plan lay out ambitious goals. These offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to create thriving public spaces, lead the way on climate resiliency, and fill the gaps in housing stock that contribute to our affordability crisis. But now we need to execute on those promises while facing uncertain times and economic headwinds.
These are all important elements of what I’m calling my Watertown 2040 vision. When I picture Watertown in 15 years, I imagine us having continued to make progress in the following areas, all of which I see as fundamental quality of life issues.
● Housing Affordability — taking decisive action to add housing of all kinds to ensure young families can settle here, seniors can remain in their community, and we can maintain the socio-economic diversity that differentiates Watertown from many of our neighboring towns and cities.
● Great Schools — continuing to invest in cutting-edge schools that prepare our kids for the future, addressing urgent issues of technology, safety, student mental health, inclusivity, and support for teachers and families. In 2040, I imagine Watertown Public Schools as among the best in the Commonwealth!
● Public Safety — supporting our first responders while also building community trust and resilience. Investing in technology, training and infrastructure to help our police, firefighters, and public health officials respond to a changing world.
● Climate Action — with dwindling support from the federal government, municipalities like Watertown must take the lead and double down on our commitments to reducing emissions, protecting open space, and investing in green infrastructure.
● Economic Vitality — supporting small businesses, fostering innovation, and courting a diversity of industries will make Watertown Square and our other commercial corridors into vibrant economic hubs. It will also help protect our tax revenue from market fluctuations like the lab slump we are currently experiencing.
● Technological Innovation — Embracing technology to deliver faster, smarter, and more accessible city services. Streamlining the city’s systems can identify opportunities to save tax payer dollars, increase transparency, and better support city staff.
● Community Building — leveraging our amazing library and other public spaces through creative programming and effective communications to broaden opportunities for neighbors to connect. Continuing to elevate Watertown as a fun, creative community with more public art, cultural events, and social gatherings that bring people together. Now is a time to find joy and support in community!
● Civic Engagement — encouraging more of our neighbors to get involved by strengthening transparency, accessibility, and opportunities for residents to contribute. We must work harder to bring new and underrepresented voices into the conversation while valuing the commitment and institutional knowledge of long-term, engaged residents.
● Impactful Spending — all of these previous goals are predicated on managing our budget with care so we can invest in the future without overburdening taxpayers. We will inevitably face choices about where municipal funds are best spent – I believe spending should be focused on long-term investments to improve our quality of life.
So why me? It’s true that many of us share a similar vision for Watertown’s future, and I am grateful for the productive work of our city leaders. But I believe I can add a fresh energy and perspective. If elected, I would be one of two millennials and the only immigrant and only Watertown Public School parent on the council. I have a unique perspective on the city’s trajectory, living with my in-laws who have been in Watertown since the 1970’s, while being a relative newcomer myself. My professional background in technology, finance, and real estate has provided me with critical skills to navigate complex challenges ahead.
My family’s tradition of service to this community has given me insight into the city’s operations and challenges, and allowed me to connect with diverse constituencies around town. Since 2022, as the Vice Chair of the Resident Advisory Committee, I’ve worked with the City Manager to staff Watertown’s 24 boards and commissions. Members of my household currently serve on the Planning Board, the Community Preservation Committee, the Stormwater Advisory Committee, and the Rapid Response Network supporting our immigrant neighbors.
My journey — from Ghana to Italy to the United States — has taught me that communities are strongest when they embrace new ideas and new people. I have experienced this city’s warmth firsthand, and I want every resident to feel that same sense of belonging and possibility. I aim to bring a new perspective to the Council — not to replace what has come before, but to broaden the conversation and encourage others to get involved. Much progress has been made through the hard work by our elected officials, staff and many engaged residents. But there’s more work to do. Together I believe we can make Watertown stronger than ever — more affordable, more sustainable, and more connected.
Leading up to the election this November, I look forward to meeting those of you whom I don’t know yet and hearing about your life experiences, concerns and dreams for our community. Please reach out to share your perspective. I’m always up to meet for coffee or a walk along the river!