Elections

See Who Rep. Hecht Endorsed to Succeed Him in the State House

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Democratic activist and Democratic State Committee member Steve Owens is running for the State Representative seat that Jon Hecht will be leaving. State Representative Jonathan Hecht has endorsed Steve Owens in the raceto fill the 29th Middlesex seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, according to a statement released by the Steve Owens Campaign. The Representative is stepping down and not seeking re-election in this year’s primary. “I first met Steve Owens in 2005 when I was a Town Councilor in Watertown. We both worked on Deval Patrick’s Gubernatorial campaign where I got to see first-hand the type of leader Steve is.

Government

Some Councilors Disappointed Communication Position Not Added to Town Budget

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Multiple Town Councilors were disappointed to see that their top budget priority, hiring a Deputy Town Manager responsible for managing communication with the public and enhancing public engagement. On Monday, June 29 at 6 p.m., the Town Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the entire Fiscal Year 2021 Town Budget. See below for more information about how to watch and participate. On June 24, the Town Council had the opportunity to ask questions about the budget presented by Town Manager Michael Driscoll on June 8. Town Manager Michael Driscoll said on June 24 that the Deputy Town Manager position was not funded due to the loss of nearly $4 million in revenue due to the COVID-19 outbreak (mostly in State Aid and lost local meal, hotel and motor vehicle excise taxes).

Government

Funding of Watertown Police, Requests to Divert Some of Budget Discussed at Council Hearing

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How the Watertown Police Department’s budget is used, and whether there are other ways the money could be spent became a major topic of discussions of Wednesday night’s Fiscal Year 2021 Town Budget Hearing. The WPD budget was just one of many departmental budgets discussed during the hearing, but it garnered the interested of Councilors and members of the public, many of whom wanted to see a portion spent on mental health services provided by the town instead. The meeting was held remotely over Zoom. The Police Department’s budget of $10.3 million makes up 6.76 percent of the Town’s operating budget. The WPD has 70 police officers (including 52 patrol officers), nine dispatchers and four civilian employees, as well as the school crossing guards.

Fire Department

COVID-19 Impacted Town’s Budget, Details of the Police, Fire Budgets Presented

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Watertown Town Hall

The COVID-19 pandemic will have a major impact on Watertown’s budget, Town Manager Michel Driscoll told the Town Council Tuesday night. He also gave details about how the Police and Fire departments use their funding. Driscoll’s presentation (see the documents here) gave more details about Watertown’s Fiscal 2021 Budget the day before the Town Council will have the chance to ask questions about each Town department’s budget. Two weeks ago, Driscoll presented the $152.4 million budget proposal which included no lay offs, despite the loss of about $4 million related to the COVID-19 pandemic. State Aid is forecast to be down $2.6 million as a result of the impact of the pandemic on the Massachusetts economy, Driscoll said.

Business

Massachusetts’ Tax Free Weekend Will be in Late August

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A lot of money was raised and spent on the 2015 Watertown Election. Gov. Charlie Baker announced that the sales-tax free weekend will take place on Aug. 29 and 30, 2020. In 2018, Baker signed a law making the tax holiday an annual event. “The annual sales tax holiday is an opportunity for us to support small businesses and consumers, and this year, it’s a great way to support our economy that’s been impacted by COVID-19,” Baker said.

Elections

State Rep Candidate Earns Endorsement of Social Worker Organization

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Democratic activist and Democratic State Committee member Steve Owens is running for the State Representative seat that Jon Hecht will be leaving. The following information was provided by the Campaign to Elect Steve Owens:

NASW – Massachusetts Chapter is committed to advancing professionalsocial work practice and the profession and to promoting human rights, social and economic justice, and unimpeded access to services for everyone. They are proud to announce their endorsement of Steve Owens, candidate for State Representative in the 29th Middlesex district. Founded in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with more than 120,000 members across its 55 chapters. The Massachusetts Chapter of NASW is one of the largest chapters in the country with more than 6,300 members.

Business

See the Watertown Restaurants Approved for Outdoor Seating

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Deluxe Town Diner was one of several Watertown restaurants recently approved to have outdoor seating. Ten Watertown restaurants have been approved to have outdoor by the Town as part of a the COVID-19 reopening. Last week, the Licensing Board approved a temporary measure to allow Town Manager Michael Driscoll to approve temporary outdoor seating at restaurants in town. The following restaurants have been approved to have outdoor seating:

Gerry’s Italian Kitchen1072 Belmont Street

La Bodega21 Nichols Avenue

Conley’s Pub & Grille164 Belmont Street

Deluxe Town Diner627 Mount Auburn Street

Greg’s Restaurant821 Mount Auburn Street

Ixtapa Mexican Grill18 Mount Auburn Street

Ritcey East208 Waverley Avenue

Shiraz Cuisine72 Bigelow Avenue

Stellina47 Main Street

Tresca’s Eating Place25 Church Street

Before the local measure was passed, restaurants already approved to have outdoor seating could open on June 8, when Phase 2 of Gov. Baker’s reopening plan began. On June 22, restaurants can also start serving food indoors, with tables spaced at least 6 feet apart and parties no larger than six people.

Government

Congresswoman Clark Encourages Residents to Fill Out 2020 Census

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The following information was provided by Congresswoman Katherine Clark’s office. Her district includes Watertown:

68% of households in our district have already completed their U.S. Census 2020 form. That’s fantastic progress, but we need everyone to be counted to ensure that our community gets its fair share of federal resources for schools, transportation systems, family nutrition programs, and so many other vital services. Fill out the Census here! The 2020 Census determines how federal funding and resources will be distributed across our communities, and your participation can make a real difference to your family, loved ones and neighbors. If you haven’t completed your census form, please visit 2020Census.gov now—then pass this message along to family and friends! 

I hope you will make your voice heard by participating in the 2020 Census and do your part to ensure that everyone in our community is fairly and accurately counted.Sincerely,Katherine ClarkMember of Congress (MA-05)