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.

City Budget

Watertown’s New City Manager Talks About Some of His Priorities as He Starts the Job

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Watertown’s new City Manager, George Proakis, officially started working for the City on Aug. 15, 2022. In his first few weeks as new City Manager, George Proakis has been meeting people and getting familiar with how things work in Watertown, but he does have a few items he knows will be on his plate during his first year on the job. Proakis sat down with Watertown News during his second week in his new job and shared some of his thoughts about projects he expects to take on early in his time in town. This is the second of two stories on the City’s new chief executive.

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New Manager Likes Watertown’s Strong Fiscal Base, Looks at Successes from Previous Community

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City of WatertownWatertown’s new City Manager, George Proakis, was sworn in by City Clerk Janet Murphy on Aug. 15, 2022. Even before his first official day as City Manager, George Proakis began to familiarize himself with the community by browsing through the booths at the Watertown Arts Market with his family. While he is new to Watertown, he knows a few things about this City’s government, and a lot about how municipal governments work. In May, the City Council chose Proakis to be Watertown’s first new manager in nearly three decades.

Government

Speak With State Sen. Brownsberger’s Staff at the Farmers Market

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State Sen. Will Brownsberger

State Sen. Will Brownsberger’s office sent out the following announcement:

Staff from the office of Senator Will Brownsberger will have a table at the Watertown Farmer’s Market on Wednesday, August 31 from 2:30-6:30 p.m.

The event is being held at Saltonstall Park, located at 149 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472. The farmer’s market will take place rain or shine. This is a great opportunity to meet our district staff and connect with us about any state-related issues that are on your mind. We are available to discuss legislative topics, such as policy interests or specific bills in the Massachusetts Legislature, as well as any state-related personal issues, such as navigating the unemployment system or the RMV. Please reach out with any questions.

Government

State Rep. Steve Owens Holding Multiple Office Hours in September

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State Rep. Steve Owens. The following information was provided by State Rep. Steve Owens:

State Representative Steve Owens will be hosting office hours throughout the month of September for residents of the 29th Middlesex District. The Representative is looking forward to hearing from constituents on state-related legislative or personal matters. The sessions will be at the following times and locations:

Monday, September 12th10 a.m. – 12 p.m.Deluxe Town Diner627 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown MAJoint Office Hours with City Councilor Tony Palomba

Friday, September 23rd8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.Mosesian Center for the Arts321 Arsenal Street, Watertown MAWednesday, September 28th10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Cambridge Public Library, Collins Branch64 Aberdeen Avenue, Cambridge MAFriday, September 30th10 a.m. – 12 p.m.Sarah’s Market & Cafe200 Concord Avenue, Cambridge MA

Around Town

Check Your Precinct Location Postcards, They May be Incorrect

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Charlie BreitroseSome of the precinct locations change postcards, such as those above, have the wrong information on them. The City Clerk’s Office encourages voters to check their voting location. The City of Watertown sent out postcards to residents in precincts that will be voting in a different location from the previous election. However, many of the cards show the incorrect information. The postcards were delivered Wednesday, Aug.