Business

Lt. Gov. Addresses Opiate Crisis, State Economy at Chamber Awards Dinner

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On a night when Watertown groups committed to stopping the opiate crisis received a Chamber of Commerce Award, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito underscored the seriousness of the crisis and the efforts being taken by the Gov. Charlie Baker’s Administration. Polito also talked about efforts to boost the Massachusetts economy and increase funding for towns and schools during her keynote address at the 42nd annual Watertown Belmont Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner Thursday night at the Belmont Country Club. The use and overdoses from opiates and heroin has become a huge problem in Massachusetts, Polito said. “It is a health crisis, not a criminal one – a health crisis first and foremost,” Polito said. The Baker Administration seeks to cut the amount of painkillers containing painkillers prescribed to people.

Elections

LETTER: Elected Town Council Candidate Thanks His Supporters

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Dear Editor,

My sincerest thanks to each voter, volunteer, supporter, and family member that each contributed towards electing me as a Town Councilor At-Large on Tuesday. I appreciate the opportunity you have given to me and look forward to serving you all honorably during the coming term. I pledge to collaborate with residents, town departments, and fellow councilors to ensure that we improve the quality of life and infrastructure in our community, while celebrating and enhancing our historical heritage and cultural diversity. There will be many opportunities for residents to remain engaged during the next two years, as Watertown will continue to be faced with challenges and opportunities that will require dialogue and debate. Please participate in that process, either by reaching out to your councilors via phone, email, or face-to-face.

Elections

LETTER: School Committee Chair Reflects on Watertown Election

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Editor,

I am extremely grateful to the voters of Watertown for their continuing trust in my work to support the Schools. None of that work ever happens without the robust assistance and counsel of other citizens. 

Thank you to all who participated in the election process, and who helped bring attention to the vital role that education plays in nourishing a healthy and welcoming community. Out of these discussions will come new good ideas and energy and participation. Congratulations to Kendra Foley and Candace Miller for their success, and thank you to Julie McMahon and Mike Shepard for being willing to put themselves and their families to the personal test that an election represents. I look forward to serving the School Committee and the School community in whatever way I can be most useful.

Campaign Finances

Lots of Money in Town Election, Small Donors More Successful than Unions

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More than $61,000 was raised in campaign funds for the 2015 Watertown Elections. Money came from small donors and for the first time in recent years in big amounts from labor unions. The campaign funds did not guarantee success for a candidate, but it was a big help. Labor unions spent $5,890 on candidates in the various Town Council races, with mixed results. Two candidates were elected, but four lost their bids for the council (including the candidate in the preliminary election).

Election 2015

Precinct-by-Precinct Votes in Tuesday’s Election Tell Some Interesting Stories

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Breaking down the vote by precinct shows where the winners took the Tuesday’s Watertown Election, but even those not elected had their strong points. 

The final results can be seen by clicking here. (Check the map above to see the location of each precinct.)
School Committee
The School Committee race, where the two challengers finished one-two, was dominated by Kendra Foley. She won 10 precincts – all but 8 and 9. She got her highest precinct total of 358 in Precinct 4. Second place finisher Candace Miller got second in nine precincts (all but 1, 2 and 8).

Election 2015

See Who Won in the School Committee and Library Trustee Races

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It was a good night for challengers in the Watertown School Committee and the Library Trustees races. In the School Committee race, the two challengers topped the list in Tuesday’s Watertown Election. Kendra Foley had the biggest share of the vote with nearly 26 percent, followed by Candace Miller who had almost 23 percent. The third spot went to 20-year-School Committee veteran Eileen Hsu-Balzer, who got 18.66 percent. Foley said she believes her hard work during the campaign paid off.

Election 2015

One Incumbent Ousted, Council will Have Two New Faces

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Most incumbents survived the contentious election season, but the Town Council will have two new members come January. Challenger Lisa Feltner defeated sitting Councilor Cecilia Lenk for the District B seat in Tuesday’s Watertown Election. Feltner got about two-thirds of the vote. The turnout was 4,585 voters, or 20.48 percent of total voters. “I am so psyched!”