Government

Council President Candidate Forum a Week Away, Submit Your Questions

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Join WCN, Watertown Cable Access Corp and the Watertown News for an election forum featuring the two candidates running for City Council President in Watertown’s local election. Incumbent Mark Sideris is being challenged by former Town Council President Clyde Younger. The two will answer questions during a forum at the Watertown Free Public Library’s Watertown Savings Bank Room on Wednesday, October 11th at 6 p.m. The library is located at 123 Main St. Residents are invited to submit questions to the candidates by emailing watertownmanews@gmail.com. The forum will also be broadcast live on WCA-TV’s Public Channel.

Government

LETTER: A Good Week for Democracy in Watertown

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By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

Are We There Yet? No, but we’re inching closer …

More Community Involvement

Last week was a good week for democracy in Watertown! On Wednesday night there was a meeting of the Committee on Economic Development and Planning in regard to expanding community meetings for big developments in Watertown. Although I think that there could have been a better structure for the meeting, it was still greatly appreciated. And I think that it was nothing but a show of community disrespect for the Director of the Department of Community Development and Planning Steven Magoon to dash off his suggestions at the very last minute, not posting them for the public to review.

Government

Watertown Tax Relief Takes Step Toward Approval in State House

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Wikimedia Commons / ChensiyuanMassachusetts State House. A request that would provide relief to residential property owners in Watertown moved a step toward approval when the House of Representatives approved the Home Rule Petition recently. In August 2022, City Councilors John Airasian and Emily Izzo brought forward the request, which was approved by the Council, to request that Watertown be able to shift the tax burden from residential properties to commercial, industrial and personal properties. Airasian was pleased to see the petition make progress: “This should have a sizeable impact on the residential real estate taxes.” Izzo added in her email to constituents:

“The Home Rule Petition brought to the City Council by Councilor Airasian and myself has passed the House and is now pending approval by the Senate.

Government

Council Approves Human Rights Commission Ordinance After Debating Role of New Board

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The City Council approved the ordinance creating a Human Rights Commission after debating whether board will hear complaints and have a role in resolving disputes. The Human Rights Commission was created as part of the changes to Watertown’s City Charter in 2021. The ordinance was drafted by the Council’s Committee on Rules & Ordinances with input from residents. Resident Rita Colafella said that the creation of the Human Rights Commission is timely. “There is strong support for the creation of the commission.

Government

State Sen. Brownsberger Seeks Constituent Services Director

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State Sen. Will Brownsberger

State Sen. Will Brownsberger announced that he is hiring a Director of Constituent Services in his State House office. Brownsberger’s district includes Watertown, Belmont and parts of Boston. See the partial job description below:

The Director of Constituent Services is the key contact and manager for constituent assistance for a Senator’s district. In collaboration with, and at the direction of the Senator and Chief of Staff, the Director of Constituent Services acts as a liaison with federal, state, and local entities and utilizes a variety of strategies, tools, and skills to resolve constituent problems and facilitate the delivery of public services. The Director of Constituent Services reports to the Chief of Staff.

Government

Council Gives City Officials & Boards Ability to Set Fees, Wants Further Study on Enforcing Fees & Fines

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Watertown City Hall

Tuesday night the City Council gave other city boards and certain City employees the ability to set “reasonable rates” for fees without getting approval from the City Council. In another item, the Council sent the item that would enforce fees and fines by attaching them to tax bills with a municipal lien to a committee for more discussion. City Manager George Proakis said that in other communities where he has worked certain fees could be changed by boards or “officers,” or designated city employees without going to the Council for a vote. “I am always looking for opportunities to create more efficient and effective processes to address the way that we work through the issues in city government,” Proakis said. He said the change allows the Watertown government to be more “flexible and creative in the way that we ensure that fees match services.”

Government

Pair of Candidate Forums to be Hosted by Watertown News, WCA-TV

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Come hear from the candidates in contested races in the 2023 Watertown Election during a pair of candidates forums.

Watertown Cable Access Television and Watertown News will team up to host a pair of in-person forums. The public is invited to attend, and the forums will be broadcast on Watertown Cable. The forum for the Council President candidates on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. in the Watertown Free Public Library’s Watertown Savings Bank Room. Incumbent Mark Sideris is being challenged by former Council President Clyde Younger. The library is located at 123 Main St.

Government

Save the Date: Watertown Square Planning Meetings

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Save These Dates for the Watertown Square Area Planning Events. The City will hold a public launch event for the Watertown Square Area Plan on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. On November 28 through 30, 2023 the City will hold a Design Charrette for the planning effort. Please save these dates so you can participate in this exciting initiative to reimagine Watertown Square! The Watertown Square Area Plan will address all aspects of how the City’s “downtown” works—including transportation, housing, public spaces and sustainability.