Election 2022

Challenger Critical of Longtime Governor’s Councilor in State Primary Race

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WCA-TV

For more than two decades Watertown’s Marilyn Petitto Devaney has served as the Governor’s Councilor for District 3, but in 2022 she faces an opponent in the Democratic Primary, Mara Dolan, who questions her voting record on judges and her relationship with other members of the Council. The Governor’s Council, also known as the Executive Council, votes on the Governor’s nominations for judges in all levels of state courts, clerk magistrates, as well as members of other state boards, including the Parole Board, the Appellate Tax Board, and the Industrial Accident and Industrial Accident Reviewing boards. They also vote on the Governor’s proposed pardons and commutations of prisoners, as well as, the warrants for the State Treasury. The candidates debated each other Monday night on Watertown Cable Access TV, and covered a range of topics, including a recent Boston Globe article that focused on Devaney’s relationship with the other members of the Council and a vote to approve a judge who refused to publicly reveal her stance on abortion rights. Candidates

Devaney pointed to her record as an independent voice on the Governor’s Council who often went against the others, and cited some reforms she has spearheaded including continuing to broadcast meetings on YouTube after the pandemic restrictions ended and prohibiting contributions by nominees to members of the Governor’s Council.

Comprehensive Plan

City Hosting Two Workshops, Survey on the Comprehensive Plan Update

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The City of Watertown announced two chances for the public to participate in the updating of Watertown’s Comprehensive Plan. City officials released the following announcement:

Come plan for our future – together! The City of Watertown and its planning team are hosting an interactive workshop on September 20, 2022 and September 29, 2022 starting at 6:30 p.m. to discuss draft goals and review preliminary strategies which will guide future decisions about new development, transportation options, business and economic development, open space and recreation, and more. Confirmation of the location of these meetings will be available soon. Attend either (or both) workshops to learn more and share your thoughts with us.

Early Voting

Watertown’s Dates for In-Person Early Voting for the State Primary

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown residents cast their ballots at Watertown Town Hall in the 2020 Massachusetts Presidential Primary. Early voting will be available in 2022. The City of Watertown provided the following information:

In Person Early Voting for the MA State Primary will be August 27-September 2, 2022 at Watertown City Hall at 149 Main St in the Philip Pane Lower Hearing Room on the Ground Floor. Election day is Sept. 6.

Alexandria Real Estate

Roadwork on Mt. Auburn & Arsenal Streets Could Overlap

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Two of Watertown’s major roadways in the eastern part of town are scheduled to be undergoing roadwork at the same time. On Aug. 9, the City Council approved funds to replace water mains on Mt. Auburn Street, and also accepted easements provided by properties on Arsenal Street to allow for improvements along the sidewalks. Some of the work will occur simultaneously, which concerned some Councilors, including Tony Palomba.

Election 2022

Governor’s Council Candidates Will Appear in Live Televised Debate

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The candidates for Governor’s Council District 3 will be appearing on a live debate on Watertown Cable Access Television. The candidates will appear on the ballot for the Sept. 6 State Primary. WCA-TV sent out the following information:

We’re excited to announce that WCA-TV will be hosting a televised debate between the two democratic candidates running for Massachusetts District 3 Governor’s Council in the upcoming Primary Election; incumbent Marilyn Petitto Devaney and challenger Mara Dolan. DATE: Monday, Aug.

Government

Council Asking Legislature to Allow Residential Property Tax Relief

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Wikimedia Commons / ChensiyuanMassachusetts State House. City officials requested that the State Legislature give Watertown an exception to a state law that would give residential property owners a break on their taxes. For years Watertown has shifted the burden of property taxes from residents to commercial, industrial and personal property taxpayers. The City Council has voted for the maximum shift of 175 percent. State law, however says that the total portion of the residential tax cannot be below the higher of 50 percent of the tax levy or the lowest percentage of the tax levy made up by residential property tax since the the City created tax classifications for different types of properties.

Attorney General

Rep. Owens, Watertown Residents Endorse Attorney General Candidate

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown residents cast their ballots at Watertown City Hall. The following announcement was provided by the Quentin Palfrey campaign:

Former Assistant AG and candidate for Attorney General Quentin Palfrey has been endorsed by a group of six elected and community leaders in Watertown, including State Representative Steven Owens and City Councilor Caroline Bays. They have added their names to a list of more than 300 state, local and community leaders who have endorsed Palfrey’s grassroots campaign. “Quentin is someone who shows up, who listens, and who acts on behalf of our community,” said Representative Owens. “He understands the issues that matter most to people in Watertown.

Climate & Energy Plan

Council Approves Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gases & Prepare for Impact of Climate Change

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The Climate & Energy Plan approved by the City Council on Tuesday has multiple goals, including reducing the use of fossil fuels, increasing the number of electric vehicles, cutting the amount of waste created in Watertown, and preparing the City and residents for the impact of severe weather. The City has been working on the plan since March 2021, and formed a 35-member Stakeholder Advisory Group, working groups, conducted two surveys, and held meetings to discuss the five areas of the plan: Building & Energy, Transportation & Mobility, Natural Resources, Infrastructure & Waste Management, and Public Health & Community Preparedness. One of the major goals of the plan calls for making the City of Watertown carbon neutral by 2050, said Ed Lewis, Watertown’s Energy Manager. “Buildings are the biggest (contributor), the fat rabbit in this: 56 percent of gas comes from buildings,” Lewis said. “Transportation accounts for a little over 40 percent.” 

The plan calls for cutting all heating of homes and buildings by oil or natural gas to zero percent by 2050.