Government

Openings Available for Mass. Senate’s Citizens’ Legislative Seminar

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Wikimedia Commons / ChensiyuanMassachusetts State House. The following information was provided by State Sen. Brownsberger’s office:

Our office has been notified of one or two additional openings for the Senate’s Citizens’ Legislative Seminar on November 15 and 16. This engaging, free program aims to better educate the public on the functions of the Massachusetts State Legislature. If you are interested and available to attend from 9:30 to 4:00 both days, please email eric.helmuth@masenate.gov with the following information no later than noon this Thursday, September 15:

Name and home addressDaytime phoneBusiness/organization title or affiliation, and address (if any)A short biographical paragraph (six sentences or less). The program will run again in March 2023, so you may also submit your interest for consideration at that time.

Government

LETTER: Council Should Reject Proposal to Allow Large Illuminated Sign at Arsenal Yards

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Our City Council will soon vote on a proposal to allow a large, illuminated sign for Arsenal Yards – effectively a glowing billboard with ten-foot tall letters – to shine from atop the 130-foot high-rise tower looming over the Charles River, its park and paths. The proposal was written by the developer of Arsenal Yards. If the proposal passes, the Planning Board will be poised to give the developer a permit for the sign. Allowing the amendment and the sign would be a tragic mistake. The path of the Charles River through Watertown is widely known as a rare urban gem.

Government

Watertown Delays Start of Some Trash & Recycling Changes

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Watertown DPWWatertown’s trash, recycling, compost toters. Recently the Department of Public Works announced changes to trash and recycling collection in Watertown. The changes were to have taken effect soon, but some programs will be delayed. The new rules for collection of bulk items that don’t fit into trash bins, TVs & appliances, and mattresses will not go into effect until a date to be announced. When the new rules take effect, residents will have to schedule pickup of these items and will pay a fee to have the items collected.

Election 2022

See How Watertown Voted in the 2022 State Primary

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Charlie Breitrose

Watertown’s results mostly mirrored the overall vote tally during the Sept. 6 State Primary, but there were a couple where local voters bucked the trend. Like the statewide results, Watertown voters favored Democrat Maura Healey and Republican Geoff Diehl for governor, the GOP’s Leah Allen and the Dem’s Kim Driscoll for lieutenant governor, Democrat Andrea Campbell for Attorney General, and William Galvin, a Dem, for Secretary of State. In two races, Watertown’s results were different from the overall result. Local voters favored Chris Dempsey for the Democratic nomination for Auditor, while Diana DiZoglio was named the winner. In the overall race for Governor’s Council District 3, Watertown’s Marilyn Petitto Devaney, the incumbent, holds a small lead over Mara Dolan.

Election 2022

2022 State Primary Election Guide, See Who’s on the Ballot, Where to Vote

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Charlie Breitrose

The Massachusetts State Primary will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 6, and Watertown voters will be going to the polls — some at locations different from the previous election. Democrats and Republicans candidates will are running for their party’s nomination for the State Election on Nov. 8. Who’s on the Ballot

Dems have six contested races, including governor, lieutenant governor, and — of local interest — Governor’s Councilor.

Government

Watertown Seeking Residents to Serve on Historical Commission

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Historical Commission. The Historical Commission was established in 1985 to preserve, protect, and advocate for the City’s historical or archaeological resources. The Commission’s responsibilities include implementing the Demolition Delay Ordinance, researching places of historic or archaeological value, educational outreach to the community, building upon the base of historic knowledge already in existence, and establishing long-lasting protection of these resources for future generations. The Commission cooperates with the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the State Archaeologist and renders opinions and recommendations to the City Council, City departments, and the public. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest accompanied by a resume or other information concerning background or experience by email to citymgr@watertown-ma.gov or City Manager’s Office, 149 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472

Government

Governor’s Council Candidate’s “Dubious” Endorsements; Election Day Coincides With Watertown’s First Day of School

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The race for District 3 Governor’s Council continues to grab headlines as one of the candidates claimed support from Massachusetts politicians that it appears she does not have. Also, the City officials want voters to be aware — with many polling places located at schools — that election day falls on the same day as Watertown students head back to school. During a recent League of Women’s Voters forum District 3 Governor’s Councilor Marilyn Petitto Devaney, from Watertown, stated that she had endorsements, which were later refuted. The 12-term incumbent faces Concord’s Mara Dolan in the Democratic Primary for the seat on the board which, among other things, votes on the Governor’s nominations for judges and nominees for other boards, and on vote on the Governor’s proposed pardons and commutations of prisoners. In the debate, which was shown by NewTV (Newton’s public access channel), Devaney said she had been endorsed by Congressman Jim McGovern and Democratic State Auditor candidate Chris Dempsey.