Government

Council President Candidate Forum a Week Away, Submit Your Questions

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Join WCN, Watertown Cable Access Corp and the Watertown News for an election forum featuring the two candidates running for City Council President in Watertown’s local election. Incumbent Mark Sideris is being challenged by former Town Council President Clyde Younger. The two will answer questions during a forum at the Watertown Free Public Library’s Watertown Savings Bank Room on Wednesday, October 11th at 6 p.m. The library is located at 123 Main St. Residents are invited to submit questions to the candidates by emailing watertownmanews@gmail.com. The forum will also be broadcast live on WCA-TV’s Public Channel.

Around Town

Watertown Rotary Club Welcomes Seniors to Cookout, Brings Back a Tradition

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Older residents filled the ballroom at the Sons of Italy for the Rotary Club’s Senior Citizens Cookout. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

A Watertown tradition was renewed on Sunday when the Rotary Club of Watertown welcomed hundreds of older residents to the Senior Citizens Cookout. The event at the Sons of Italy hall was the 28th, said Deb Boyajian, the Senior Cookout event chair, but there had been a break. “We haven’t had it since 2019, so we didn’t know what to expect in terms of how many people are going to come,” Boyajian said. Previous editions of the Senior Cookout were so popular that people lined up out the door to get in at the start of the event, said Rotary member Maria Papadopoulos.

Government

Watertown Tax Relief Takes Step Toward Approval in State House

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Wikimedia Commons / ChensiyuanMassachusetts State House. A request that would provide relief to residential property owners in Watertown moved a step toward approval when the House of Representatives approved the Home Rule Petition recently. In August 2022, City Councilors John Airasian and Emily Izzo brought forward the request, which was approved by the Council, to request that Watertown be able to shift the tax burden from residential properties to commercial, industrial and personal properties. Airasian was pleased to see the petition make progress: “This should have a sizeable impact on the residential real estate taxes.” Izzo added in her email to constituents:

“The Home Rule Petition brought to the City Council by Councilor Airasian and myself has passed the House and is now pending approval by the Senate.

Business

New Dental Practice Welcomed to Town With Ribbon Cutting by Watertown Business Coalition

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Arsenal Modern Dentistry held a ribbon cutting at its office in Arsenal Yards on Sept. 21. The staff of the dentistry office was joined by the Watertown Business Coalition leadership. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown’s newest dental practice marked its official opening last week with a ribbon cutting outside its office in Arsenal Yards. Arsenal Modern Dentistry moved into a spot right on Arsenal Street, which has already proven to be a good location, said Dr. Brock Riedel, who runs the practice with his partner, Dr. Anthony Falone.

Government

Council Approves Human Rights Commission Ordinance After Debating Role of New Board

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The City Council approved the ordinance creating a Human Rights Commission after debating whether board will hear complaints and have a role in resolving disputes. The Human Rights Commission was created as part of the changes to Watertown’s City Charter in 2021. The ordinance was drafted by the Council’s Committee on Rules & Ordinances with input from residents. Resident Rita Colafella said that the creation of the Human Rights Commission is timely. “There is strong support for the creation of the commission.

Government

State Sen. Brownsberger Seeks Constituent Services Director

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State Sen. Will Brownsberger

State Sen. Will Brownsberger announced that he is hiring a Director of Constituent Services in his State House office. Brownsberger’s district includes Watertown, Belmont and parts of Boston. See the partial job description below:

The Director of Constituent Services is the key contact and manager for constituent assistance for a Senator’s district. In collaboration with, and at the direction of the Senator and Chief of Staff, the Director of Constituent Services acts as a liaison with federal, state, and local entities and utilizes a variety of strategies, tools, and skills to resolve constituent problems and facilitate the delivery of public services. The Director of Constituent Services reports to the Chief of Staff.