Election 2022

Challenger Critical of Longtime Governor’s Councilor in State Primary Race

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WCA-TV

For more than two decades Watertown’s Marilyn Petitto Devaney has served as the Governor’s Councilor for District 3, but in 2022 she faces an opponent in the Democratic Primary, Mara Dolan, who questions her voting record on judges and her relationship with other members of the Council. The Governor’s Council, also known as the Executive Council, votes on the Governor’s nominations for judges in all levels of state courts, clerk magistrates, as well as members of other state boards, including the Parole Board, the Appellate Tax Board, and the Industrial Accident and Industrial Accident Reviewing boards. They also vote on the Governor’s proposed pardons and commutations of prisoners, as well as, the warrants for the State Treasury. The candidates debated each other Monday night on Watertown Cable Access TV, and covered a range of topics, including a recent Boston Globe article that focused on Devaney’s relationship with the other members of the Council and a vote to approve a judge who refused to publicly reveal her stance on abortion rights. Candidates

Devaney pointed to her record as an independent voice on the Governor’s Council who often went against the others, and cited some reforms she has spearheaded including continuing to broadcast meetings on YouTube after the pandemic restrictions ended and prohibiting contributions by nominees to members of the Governor’s Council.

Around Town

Developers Submit Proposed Project for Sterritt Lumber Site

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Nordblom CompanyAn illustration of the proposed life science building for 148 Waltham St., the former Sterritt Lumber site. Developers have submitted plans for a lab building to be built on the former Sterritt Lumber site on the Westside of Watertown. On Aug. 8, the Nordblom Company filed for a special permit with site plan review by the City of Watertown on behalf of the owners, Watertown Owner LLC to construct an office lab/R&D (research and development) building at 148 Waltham Street. The project is the second proposal for the former Sterritt Lumber site, near Bemis Park, in West Watertown.

Around Town

Huge Toy Sale at Watertown’s Church of the Good Shepherd

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The Church of the Good Shepherd will hold a huge toy sale on Saturday, Aug. 20 and Sunday, Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The childcare center at the church will be closing and all the toys must go! The toys will be sold at bargain prices. The sale will be on the lower level of the Church of the Good Shepherd, located at 9 Russell Ave.

Alexandria Real Estate

Roadwork on Mt. Auburn & Arsenal Streets Could Overlap

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Two of Watertown’s major roadways in the eastern part of town are scheduled to be undergoing roadwork at the same time. On Aug. 9, the City Council approved funds to replace water mains on Mt. Auburn Street, and also accepted easements provided by properties on Arsenal Street to allow for improvements along the sidewalks. Some of the work will occur simultaneously, which concerned some Councilors, including Tony Palomba.

Andrea's House of Pizza

Watertown Pizza Place Closing After Four Decades

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Andrea’s House of Pizza will be closing. A favorite spot for Watertown pizza lovers will be closing after 40 years serving local diners. Andrea’s House of Pizza in Coolidge Square will be closing this week, said Alex Taoultsides, who co-owns Andrea’s with his father Stratos. “Our last day is August 19th,” he said. “After 40 years it’s time to retire.”