LETTER: Watertown Man Announces Candidacy for Library Trustee

Sheppard Ferguson, former President of Booksellers of Harvard Square, is on the ballot to be elected a Trustee of the Watertown Free Public Library. He believes his career creating and managing successful bookselling companies and as a free lance photographer working internationally will add strength and breadth of experience to the Board as it advises and assists the ongoing work of the library and its Director. An avid user of the library (1,676 check-outs in five years), Ferguson joined the Long Range Planning Committee of the library last winter. Since he has spent many hours studying the Library and Town’s planning and budget documents and talked with dozens of people about the library. Not surprisingly Ferguson confirmed that the Library is well loved by its users from Watertown and many surrounding communities, and is supported by the Town Council and Administration.

Find Out What the District B Hopefuls Said at the Candidate Forum

Candidates in for District B discussed the biggest issues they see for the district and the town and why they are running for the Town Council during Wednesday night’s Candidate Forum hosted by Watertown News. 

When asked by moderator Will Twombly about what they thought was the biggest issue was each had their own view. For challenger Kevin MacDonald, a Watertown Firefighter, traffic was his biggest concern. “Traffic is a mess, and I keep reading things from the Council and the Comprehensive Plan talking about reducing the amount of parking, and I they think that will alleviate traffic,” MacDonald said. “But it forces people out onto residential streets to park.” Traffic also weighs on challenger Patty van Dinter’s mind.

Only a Few Days Until the First Watertown Candidates Forum

The candidates on the ballot for the Preliminary Election will be at the District B Candidates Forum hosted by Watertown News. The event will be at the Watertown Free Public Library on Wednesday, Sept. 2 from 7-8:30 p.m. Also look for it on Watertown Cable. The event is open to the public, and people can submit their questions to the candidates. The four candidates will be on the ballot for the Sept.

Find Out About the Candidates Running for District B Town Councilor

This year’s town election is full of interesting races, and the perhaps the most interesting one is District B where four candidates are running for Town Council. With such a crowded field, the town must hold a Preliminary Election to narrow the field to two. The election will be held on Thursday, Sept. 17. Watertown News sent each candidate a questionnaire to find out more about why they are running and who they are.

Candidate Questionnaire: Patricia van Dinter

Patricia van Dinter is running for District B Town Councilor. The Preliminary Election is on Thursday, Sept. 17. Why did you decide to run for District B Town Councilor, is there an issue that drew you in? I decided to run for District B Town Councilor because of all the sudden development being done on this side of town.

Candidate Questionnaire: Kevin MacDonald

Kevin MacDonald is running for District B Town Councilor. The preliminary election is on Thursday, Sept. 17. Why did you decide to run for District B Town Councilor, is there an issue that drew you in? To be honest, I did not have any intention of running for Town Council.

Candidate Questionnaire: Lisa Feltner

Lisa Feltner is a candidate for District B Town Councilor. The preliminary election is on Thursday, Sept. 17. Why did you decide to run for District B Town Councilor; is there an issue that drew you in? Concerned Citizens Group has provided a wonderful opportunity to learn about the concerns and hopes of District B residents, particularly in precincts 4 and 5 from which CCG draws its members. Even before the surge of new developments, I have focused on issues such as traffic, storm water management, curbs and sidewalks, trees, planting strips, and neighborhood preservation, block parties, garden competitions, and educational forums. My passion for community building has evolved into creating partnerships across the district.