Election 2015

LETTER: Councilor At-Large Sends Out Thanks Regarding the Election

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Dear Editor:

Thank you to the voters for returning me to the Town Council for another two-year term. 

I look forward to working with the other councilors, new and returning, to implement the Comprehensive Plan, and manage (and reduce) the large number of cars that travel on our streets every day; a concern we all heard repeatedly while campaigning. The school committee and library trustee races enlivened this election season and the questionnaires and interviews and forums from the media and citizen groups showed that it takes more than candidates to make democracy work. Thanks to all who participated.  

Susan Falkoff
Councilor-at-Large

Environment

Residents Worry About Fate of Trees During Greenough Greenway Work

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A recent tour of the renovation of Greenough Boulevard brought up some concerns for advocates for trees and the environment. 

The Department of Conservation and Recreation teamed with the Solomon Foundation to install a new, wider bicycle and pedestrian path, and reduce the width of the roadway from Arsenal Street to Cambridge, near the Eliot Bridge and Buckingham, Browne & Nichols School (BB&N). The Solomon Foundation provided $500,000 to help make the Greenough Greednway improvements a reality along with $700,000 in public funds. Herb Nolan, deputy director of the Solomon Foundation, said the work is beginning to shape up well. “I am very excited about this,” Nolan said. “Looking at the scale of the space (of the path) compared to what was here before is a breath of fresh air.

Elections

LETTER: Town Councilor Thanks East Enders for Support During Election

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To the Editor,

It is a distinct honor and privilege to be entering my sixth consecutive term as your District A, East End, Town Councilor. I offer my gratitude to you, the voters of the East End, for acknowledging my efforts for neighborhood quality of life and service to our community. A special thank you to my Town-wide supporters who spoke of my endeavors to their East End friends. Transparency and accountability in Town government are our common goals. My heartfelt appreciation is also extended to Mark Sideris, John S. Airasian, Paul DerBoghosian, Anthony Donato, Joan Merritt Kraus, Harry Parsekian and Ruth Thomasian for taking the initiative to publicly offer your endorsement for my re-election.

Elections

LETTER: Council President Candidate Thanks People for Help and Support

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Dear Editor,

I am gracious for and wish to thank all who voted for me on Tuesday, Nov. 3. While we fell short of being elected, I met some absolutely fantastic old and new friends. It was a pleasure meeting everyone and discussing the community’s journey into the future. This is a great community; and by being a candidate for an elective office, it contributes to your lifelong learning. As I travelled around each day and met someone new or old, during conversations, I learned something new and a different perspective from my own point of view that I had not considered.

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).