Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/category/government/elections/page/39/)
Would you pay $1 for $1.27? Opponents decry the reduction of the CPA match to an all-time low of 27%. I’d go with 27% interest on my money any day. Guys, since we voted down the CPA in 2005 we’ve left an estimated $15 million on the table. It breaks my heart.
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.
A heartfelt “Thank You” to all who voted for me, supported me in any way, for saying a kind word along the way. Thursday, Sept. 8 election was most hurtful with one opponent sending egregious mailings. I am proud of the honest, civil campaign I conducted. I run a grass-roots campaign.
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.
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.
The city of Watertown is being left behind. This is occurring because we have been penny wise – pound foolish. It’s not the case for Belmont, Waltham, Cambridge, and another 158 additional cities and towns in the Commonwealth. Presently, Watertown sets aside budget money and allocates it for upkeep, update, and the repair of open lands, refurbish playgrounds, preserve historical areas, and other town needs. These are important projects.
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.
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.