Elections

LETTER: State Rep. Lawn Thanked for Role in Passing Election Law

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State Rep. John Lawn of Watertown, who represents the 10th Middlesex District. To the Editor,

Massachusetts voters will have many new ways of casting a ballot this fall thanks to an emergency bill passed by the legislature and signed into law a few short weeks ago. The law will help ensure that no Bay Stater has to choose between their right to vote and their health by sending mail ballot applications to all registered voters, providing a safer in-person voting experience by providing PPE and additional early voting options, and streamlining administrative procedures for local elections officials. There are many other changes as well as these toplines, all designed to modernize ourelection system and make it safer and more participatory. It is an outstanding example of moving forward for the benefit of all Bay Staters, and one of the strongest election reforms in the country.

29th Middlesex

Healthcare Union Endorses Candidate for Watertown State Rep.

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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 announcement was provided by the Steve Owens for State Representative campaign:

Candidate for State Representative of the 29th Middlesex District Steve Owens has been endorsed by both 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and SEIU Local 509. Primary Day is September 1st. “I am honored to be endorsed by 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. Their advocacy on behalf of healthcare workers is a mission that I will carry with me to the State House.

Around Town

Sen. Markey Addresses Opioid Crisis at Watertown Campaign Stop

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U.S. Sen. Edward Markey speaks with Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, right, and Town Council Vice President Vincent Piccirilli before an event in Watertown. Former State Rep. Rachel Kaprielian is standing next to Markey. Even as people face a pandemic, U.S. Sen. Edward Markey said another epidemic continues to threaten the health of people in Watertown, Massachusetts and across the nation: opioid addiction. The Democrat attracted to a few dozen supporters (and a couple detractors passing by on Main Street) to a campaign event at a balmy Saltonstall Park on Monday afternoon. Markey recalled how in 2014 he was in Taunton to address a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event and when he asked the Town Manager what the biggest problem in town was, he was told that they were having a rash over overdoses.

COVID-19

Parks, Playgrounds & More Closing at Certain Hours for Recreation Programs

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The tot lot installed at the 552 Main Street Park. As Watertown Recreation Department programs reopen this summer, some of the town’s park and recreation facilities will be temporarily closed during the Recreation programs.

The programs run Monday through Friday until Aug. 28, said Watertown Recreation Director Peter Centola. “During this time, certain parks and/or amenities will be closed to the public as part of the protocol for COVID-19. We are sorry for inconvenience,” Centola said.

Government

OP-ED: Is It Time to Hit the Brakes on Reopening in Mass.?

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State Sen. Will Brownsberger

The following piece was written by State Sen. Will Brownsberger, who represents Watertown, Belmont and parts of Boston:

In order to safely reopen our schools, we may need to hit the brakes on our phased reopening of the economy in Massachusetts. The latest numbers are telling us that we may need to reclose some businesses or find other ways to reduce infection. As we manage the reopening of the economy, we need to think more clearly about the trade-offs we are making and the consequences we are willing to accept. The decision to open optional services like casinos, movie theaters, and health clubs may make it impossible for us to safely reopen our schools. There is some guesswork in estimating how each specific business closure or infection control measure will affect the average rate at which people with COVID-19 transmit it to others.

Adult Use Marijuana

Council Approves Host Community Agreement with 2nd Adult-Use Marijuana Dispensary

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An adult-use marijuana dispensary planned for the Westside of Watertown entered into a Host Community with the Town after the Town Council approved the agreement on Tuesday night. Buds Goods & Provisions is applying to open a recreational marijuana dispensary in the new development at 330-350 Pleasant St. The company now must apply for a license from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) before it can apply to the Watertown Zoning Board for a special permit. They can open when both are approved. The ballot measure that legalized adult-use marijuana prohibits communities from banning them, but allows them to limit the number to 10 percent of the number of liquor licenses.

29th Middlesex

Mass. Peace Action Endorses Steve Owens for State Representative

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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 announcement was provided by the Steve Owens for State Representative campaign:

Massachusetts Peace Action, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization workingto develop the sustained political power to foster a more just and peaceful U.S foreign policy has endorsed Steve Owens in the race to fill the 29th Middlesex district’s House seat. “We are proud to endorse Steve Owens for State Representative for 29th Middlesex (Watertown, Cambridge)! Steve is a progressive candidate who supports green, affordable public transportation and housing. He champions the Safe Communities Act for immigrant protections.” – Massachusetts Peace Action

Through grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, and community education, Massachusetts Peace Action promotes human rights and global cooperation, seek an end to war and the spread of nuclear weapons, and support budget priorities that re-direct excessive military spending to meeting human and environmental needs in our communities.

Government

Watertown Water & Sewer Rates Projected to Go Up 8.6% for Fiscal Year 2021

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Watertown residents will likely see a significant jump in their water and sewer bills. The Town Council saw a presentation asking for a 7 percent increase in the water rate and a 9.5 percent increase in sewer rates at Tuesday’s Council Meeting. The increases were recommended by the Town’s water/sewer consultants from Weston & Sampson and Abrahams Group, which studied the budgeting and operations of Watertown’s water and sewer divisions. Without the increase, the water and sewer funds could face deficits, said Matthew Abrahams of the Abrahams Group. The increases would also help build a 15 percent retained earning in five years time.