To my Watertown friends and neighbors:
Senator Will Brownsberger is running for re-election and I enthusiastically support his continued service as our State Senator. Over many years of public service, Senator Brownsberger has earned the trust of our communities through thoughtful leadership, accessibility, and an unwavering dedication to serving his constituents.
I have been especially impressed with Senator Brownsberger’s commitment to improving education in Massachusetts, and in Watertown. The Senator is aware of particular funding challenges that arise in our community. Through his investigation into the highly-complicated funding formula for schools (Chapter 70), he discovered that Watertown was not receiving the money to which we are entitled. Over his 12 years in the State Senate, this has led to nearly $22 million dollars of additional funding coming from the state to Watertown. He also has successfully advocated for more money for Watertown schools due to the disproportionate percentage of students requiring special education. His awareness of the details of both our local schools and how funding decisions are made have created many more opportunities for our students than we might have had without him.
This dedication to education also includes our new school buildings. Senator Brownsberger has been an enthusiastic supporter of our net-zero buildings including the upcoming high school. When the COVID-19 pandemic led to greatly increased construction prices, he helped lead the way for Watertown to receive more money than had been allocated originally.
His effectiveness extends well beyond the education realm. As President Pro Tempore of the Massachusetts Senate, Senator Brownsberger has played key leadership roles on major legislation, including criminal justice reform in 2018, police reform in 2020, and the negotiation of significant housing legislation in 2024. He has also been a strong advocate for transportation improvements, climate initiatives, and policies that strengthen our communities for the future.
What sets Will Brownsberger apart is not only his experience but his active participation in the communities he serves. He listens carefully, studies issues thoroughly, communicates honestly, and works to find practical solutions. I particularly appreciate how accessible Senator Brownsberger is. He regularly publishes detailed explanations of legislation, hosts discussions on important issues, and encourages residents to share their views before he takes positions. I have personally had the opportunity to speak out to him about legislation and concerns affecting Watertown, education across the state, or my family specifically. He always listens with an open mind and is willing to add a new viewpoint to his own ideas.
For all of these reasons, I enthusiastically support Will Brownsberger for reelection. Watertown and the Commonwealth are well served by his thoughtful, responsive, and effective leadership, and I hope voters will join me in supporting him with their votes on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
Rachel Kay
Watertown Resident