Elections

Group of Voters Consider Pros and Cons of Ballot Measure to Legalize Marijuana

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The ballot measure that has drawn the most attention and heated debate is being hashed out by a group of voters who gathered in Watertown this week, and in the end, they will come up with a statement about Question 4, the proposal to legalize the sale of marijuana. On the first day of the four day process, the group of 20 voters chosen from around the state heard presentations about the current law, and from the Yes and No campaigns for Question 4. The group gathered at the Atrium School in Watertown, and the process, called the Citizens’ Initiative Review, is a pilot of a program that is supported by Watertown State Rep. Jonathan Hecht. Current laws regarding marijuana are confusing. In Massachusetts it was decriminalized in 2008 and medical marijuana was legalized in 2012, however, in federal law it remains illegal, but is in Schedule 1, the lowest, least serious of the five federal categories.

Elections

LETTER: Concerned Homeowners Group Opposes Proposed CPA

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We wanted to share with you the Concerned Watertown Homeowners Association position statement on the Community Preservation Act (CPA) initiative. Let’s all try and remember-this is a TAX. We have heard from many about door knocking campaigns to obtain the required signatures to put the question on the ballot in November. Please find our reasons for opposing the CPA Tax. Reasons to Reject the Community Preservation Act (CPA):

1 – The School Committee reported that we are out of classroom space in our schools, and that means we have a high probability of having to raise taxes to meet that NEED.

Elections

Last Day to Register to Vote in the State Primary Coming Up Soon

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Massachusetts will hold a State Primary on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, and to take part you must be registered to vote by Friday, Aug. 18. The election includes the Democratic Primary for the District 3 Governor’s Council seat, where incumbent and Watertown resident Marilyn Petitto Devaney faces Peter Georgiou, an attorney from Lincoln. The council advises on the governor on appointments to such as judges, members of the Parole Board and the Industrial Accident Board.

Letters

LETTER: Resident Condemns Trump’s Call for Russians to Release Emails

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Dear Editor:

As an “American Patriot,” I am appalled that Donald Trump would suggest that Putin’s Russia hack and intervene in the American Electoral Process. More appalling to me is the lack of outrage by fellow American Patriots of whatever political persuasion; Republican or Democrat, conservative, liberal or progressive. As far as I am concerned, Trump has abridged the highest level of trust one can confer on a candidate for an office at any level of government whether local, state or national. I was taught as a child to walk a mile in the other person’s shoes before criticizing, but in this case I have to look at the obvious!!!! Can one imagine where or what would have happened to Donald Trump if he had been in Russia during Putin’s last election and he asked the United States Government to hack Vladimir Putin’s emails.

Elections

20 Voters to Review Marijuana Ballot Question in Effort Sponsored by Rep. Hecht

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A group of Massachusetts residents will review the marijuana ballot question and come up with a statement on the pros and cons of the measure ahead of the November election. The Citizens’ Initiative Review pilot was sponsored by Watertown State Rep. Jonathan Hecht. On July 12, a bipartisan advisory board, which includes former Democratic Governor Michael Dukakis and two high-ranking Republican legislators, unanimously selected the Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act as the question to be considered by 20 Bay State voters during deliberations in August. “We are grateful to our advisory board for their time and insights while selecting the ballot question that will be the focus of the Citizens’ Initiative Review process,” said Hecht. “I look forward to reading the results of the citizen panelists’ deliberations in August and hope that this effort will provide voters across the Commonwealth with insightful, nonpartisan information to aid in their consideration of an important issue.”

The voters will meet at the Atrium School in Watertown from August 25 to 28 and hear from advocates on both sides of the ballot question under review, as well as neutral experts.

Elections

Election Poll Workers Needed for Sept. & Nov. 2016 Elections

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The Watertown Elections Department is looking for poll workers during this busy upcoming election season, the town announced. 

The State Primary is on Thursday, Sept. 8 and the General Election is on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Poll workers must be registered voters and have the ability to work from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on one or both elections. Y0u can obtain an employment application on the Town of Watertown’s website, www.watertown-ma.gov in the Document Center (top right corner) in the Town Clerk’s Election folder.

Elections

Watertown Voters Can Participate in Early Voting in the Presidential Election

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Watertown voters who can’t wait until Election Day to cast their votes for President can participate in early voting this fall. 

For the first time this year Massachusetts will allow early voting. In the past, people who could prove they would be unable to get to polls on election day could apply for an absentee ballot, but Town Clerk John Flynn said the new rules allows anyone to get a ballot early. The early voting period will be between Oct. 21 and Nov. 4, 2016.

Elections

Cambridge-Based Attorney Kicking Off Run for Governor’s Council in Watertown

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Attorney Peter Georgiou is kicking off his campaign for Governor’s Council, 3rd District, in Watertown on April 26, 2016, he announced this week. Peter runs a successful worker’s compensation practice in Cambridge. He is running to represent the district that stretches from Brookline, Newton to Shirley and from Chelmsford to Westborough, and includes parts of four counties. The event will be held at the Hellenic Cultural Center, 25 Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA 02472. For more information, please visit Peter’s website at PeterG2016.com.