Elections

LETTER: Resident Opposes Ballot Question to Raise Cap on Charter Schools

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The “yes” on charter Schools – Question 2 campaign has provided specious and untrue statements in their literature and TV and radio commercials. I am very concerned from what I hear first hand as I have been canvassing to vote NO on Question #2. People are confused and misled by the Yes Charter School misinformation. I had lobbied the legislators to take the vote to keep the cap on charter schools. I believe it should not be a ballot question.

Business

Watertown Savings Kicks Off Voting for 21st Annual Customer Choice Awards

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Watertown Savings Bank (WSB) CEO Ron Dean is pleased to announce that voting is now open in the Bank’s 21st Annual Customer Choice Awards. Through this program $75,000 is distributed among local non-profits according to how bank customers vote. “The Bank is extremely proud of the Customer Choice Awards because of how many organizations are helped,” Dean said. “Our employees look forward to the awards night each year, to learn about all of the good work being done in our communities.”

How do the Customer Choice Awards work: Anyone with a Watertown Savings Bank account may vote. Every customer will receive a ballot with their monthly statements in November (or will be mailed a ballot directly).

Elections

LETTER: Conservation Commissioner Believes Town Can Support CPA and Schools

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As I observe and continue to participate in the debate between supporters and opponents of Question 5 (which proposes adoption of the Community Preservation Act by Watertown), I detect at least one salutary outcome. Look at all the publicity we have generated in helping define the public interest! I support voting YES on Question 5. I admire the heartfelt dedication of its opponents from Watertown Strong Schools (WSS), but wince under their “friendly fire.” I consider it needlessly alarmist for voices within WSS to advocate putting off Community Preservation Act adoption in 2016 – for what, another 11 years? Talk to anyone in the Conservation Commission and you will hear that such adoption is outrageously overdue.

Letters

LETTER: Commentary on School Drug Screening, Interim Superintendent Search

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The Watertown Strong Schools group attended the School Committee’s Policy Subcommittee Meeting and added commentary at the end. 

Unofficial Minutes: Policy Subcommittee Meeting

10/20/16 – Key Points and Commentary

Note: These are NOT official minutes. Commentary can be found at the end of the minutes. Written by: Kate Coyne

Subcommittee members: Guido Guidotti, Chair; Eileen Hsu-Balzer; Liz Yusem; Dr. Theresa McGuinness, Acting Superintendent; Others present: Donna Ruseckas, Director of Wellness & Extended Services; and Kate Coyne (WSS). Drug Screening and Intervention Policy

Donna Ruseckas presented on the new state mandated drug screening law. She presented what she would like to have changed in the policy.

Elections

LETTER: Former School Committee Member Opposes the CPA

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When my children attended the Cunniff School, we as parents faced what a lot of parents are facing today — over crowded classrooms, band practice in the hallways while students are trying to learn in the classrooms. I remember when I asked the principal during a PTO meeting what could be done to create more space, he looked at me and said, “I know; I will assign you to be the chairman of the space finding committee.” He was as frustrated as we were. He was right; you cannot create space when all of the available space is being used. So, I began helping people get elected to the school committee. People like Meg Crawford, Kelley MacDonald, John Madden, Jack Bartley and others including my friend, Bob Shay. The new school superintendent at the time knew something had to be done to improve the facility problems. So she started the process of rebuilding our schools.

Entertainment

Find Out About the Halloween Spooktacular at Arsenal Project

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Come down to the Arsenal Project for a fun-filled, family friendly family event. The Halloween Spooktacular at the Arsenal Project (formerly the Arsenal Mall) on Sunday, Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the mall announced. Events include:
• Halloween variety show with music & song. • Face painting & balloon art.

Elections

LETTER: Time Not Right for CPA, Schools Should Take Priority

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The amicably-named Community Preservation Act sounds like a program nearly anyone would enthusiastically support. Many of us believe in the value of historical buildings in giving a town it’s character, maintaining affordable housing, and preserving green space. It conjures up the image of a well-cared-for and friendly town, and who wouldn’t want to live there? Unfortunately, Watertown has some significant needs. We love our community, but we are not yet the best that we can be.

Around Town

Watertown Church Holding Non-Partisan Prayer Service on Eve of Election

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A Watertown church invites residents to attend a non-partisan prayer services the evening before the Presidential Election. The Church of the Good Shepherd will put on the Multi-faith Prayer Service on the Eve of the Election. This non-partisan gathering of people of many faiths will offer time to prepare our hearts and minds for the day ahead. We will pray for ourselves as voters, for the safety of all candidates and voters, for fair and transparent election processes, and for a peaceful and just future for all who call this nation home, according to the announcement from the church. Prayers, poetry, song, silence, and some tea to follow.