Around Town

Candidates Q&As for 10th Middlesex State Rep.: Lawn vs. Leary

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Candidates for the 10th Middlesex State Representative election, John Lawn of Watertown and Alison Leary of Newton. Incumbent State Rep. John Lawn faces a challenge from Newton City Councilor Alison Leary for the 10th Middlesex State Representative seat, which includes the Westside of Watertown. Watertown News presented each candidate with a set of questions about their positions, concerns and more. See what they said. Both seek the Democratic nomination for the 10th Middlesex District.

10th Middlesex

State Rep. Candidate Q&A: John Lawn

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State Rep. John Lawn

Biography

I was born and raised in Watertown and got involved in local politics in the mid-2000s when a local development project was being proposed in my neighborhood. I was Watertown Councilor from 2006-2012, and won a special election for state representative of Waltham, Watertown, and Newton in 2011. I’ve been proud of legislative achievements, including statute of limitation reform; veterans legislation; and, most recently, a historic expansion of voting options in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. My wife, Shannon, and I live in Watertown where we’re raising our 5 children. What issues have been your priority as a State Representative? 

Investing in our public schools, advocating for our Veterans, supporting small businesses and economic growth, and tackling the opioid epidemic.  Recently, as Chair of the Elections Committee, I’ve been working on protecting the integrity of our elections while keeping residents safe and healthy when they vote.

Elections

State Rep. Candidate Q&A: Alison Leary

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Alison Leary

Biography

I am a Newton native, a Simmons University graduate and the mother of two teenagers. My husband and I live in the home where he grew up in Nonantum. I am a program manager for a human services agency that provides services for adults with intellectual disabilities. Prior to that I was the Associate Director for the Community Preservation Coalition and lobbied for more state funding for the Community Preservation Act. I am a four-term member of the Newton City Council, the Chair of Public Facilities and a member of the Zoning and Planning Committee working on zoning reform.

Around Town

Find Out About the Candidates Running to Replace State Rep. Hecht

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Three candidates seek to become the new State Representative for the 29th Middlesex District, which includes much of Watertown and part of Cambridge. Watertown News reached out to the candidates and asked them some questions about their priorities, experience and themselves. Three Democrats are running to replace retiring State Rep. Jonathan Hecht. No Republican is on the ballot. The district includes Watertown Precincts 1-9, as well as, Cambridge Ward 9, Ward 10’s Precinct 3 and Ward 11’s Precinct 2.

Elections

State Rep. Candidate Q&A: Mark Sideris

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Mark Sideris

Biography

My name is Mark Sideris. I am married to Marybeth and have 3 childrenwho all attended and graduated Watertown public schools. I am a partner with my brother as owners of Three Sons Auto Body in Waltham. I have been on the Town Council for more than 24 years, the last 11 as Council President. I am also a member of the School Committee and the Chair of the School Building committee .

Elections

State Rep. Candidate Q&A: David Ciccarelli

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David Ciccarelli

Biography

I’m David Ciccarelli a third generation, lifelong resident of Watertown. As the son of State Representative Sal Ciccarelli it left the impression that public service can be rewarding, if the reason to get involved is a genuine desire to perform a duty. After graduating Tulane University, I began a life of travel, and the lessons and experiences that come with it as an overseas consultant. Traveling to over 50 countries, I consulted on US State Dept projects. Along the way I met my wife, Katya, and together we are raisingtwo boys in the Watertown Schools.

29th Middlesex

State Rep. Candidate Q&A: Steve Owens

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Steve Owens

Biography

A lifelong Democrat, I have lived in Watertown and Cambridge for nearly 20 years. My wife Pia and I now live in East Watertown with our two sons who attend Watertown public schools. For twelve years, I served as chair of the Watertown Democratic Town Committee, fighting for progressive causes and candidates at the local, state and federal levels. Professionally, I am a transportation consultant who uses data to help state departments oftransportation, railroads and trucking companies make infrastructure decisions. I have advocated for better public transportation as a member of the Watertown Transportation Task Force. 

Q & A

The State Legislature deals with so many issues, so what would be your top three issues if you are elected?

Early Voting

Find Out About Early Voting, Mail In Ballot Drop Offs & Who’s Running

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The 2020 Election is nearly here, with voters in Watertown and Massachusetts going to the polls twice in two months. Many voters are taking advantage of the mail-in ballots, and early voting starts soon. The Town Clerk’s office has already received hundreds of mail in ballots, which are available due to the COVID-19 outbreak, said Watertown Town Clerk John Flynn. State officials send the requests for mail-in ballots to the Town Clerk’s office, and staff sends out the ballots. “We have mailed out over 7,000 ballots,” Flynn said. “This is the first challenge to an incumbent U.S. Senator for years.