Elections

Poll Workers Wanted for Watertown’s November Election

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The Watertown City Clerk’s office seeks poll workers for the upcoming Nov. 4, 2025 election. See more details in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Are you interested in being a Poll Worker? Poll workers perform election duties under the direction of the Warden/Clerk, including but not limited to assisting with preparing the voting location for opening; hanging signs in accordance with legal requirements; counting ballots; checking voters in and out; providing assistance to voters with disabilities, assisting in removing signage; packing up election materials; and helping check counts at the end of the day.

Elections

LETTER: Importance of Local Elections, Voter Registration Deadline is Oct. 24

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As first-time candidates running for Library Trustee, School Committee and City Council in Watertown’s 2025 November Election, we are often asked, “What does that role do?” It’s a fair question, and it gets to the heart of why local elections — and your vote, in particular — matter so much. Local government is where decisions are made that directly affect our daily lives: who leads our public library and schools, what priorities are funded by resources, how our public spaces are maintained, and what values guide city decisions. The work of each elected official, from councilor to school committee member, has a real and lasting impact on our neighborhoods. That’s why exercising your right to vote in local elections is so important. In reality, turnout rates for municipal elections tend to be low, especially among younger voters and newer residents.

Elections

LETTER: Library Trustee Candidate Introduces Herself

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Dear Editor, and Watertown neighbors,

I’m writing to introduce myself, Pia Owens, and ask for one of your three votes for Library Trustee in our upcoming election on Nov. 4th. As trustee, I will aim to keep our library vibrant, inclusive, and committed to intellectual freedom. I’ve lived in Watertown for 20+ years with my husband Steve and our two kids who attended Watertown Public Schools. I used to visit the East Branch library, and now we have a brick with our names on it in front of the library in Watertown Square.

Government

Three Watertown Football Players Honored for Helping to Catch a Drunken Driver

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(Screenshot from Boston 25 News)

Three sharp-eyed and quick thinking Watertown High School football players were honored for their effort that helped police locate and arrest a drunken driver. On Oct. 14, the City Council approved a proclamation honoring Riaz Khan, Joel Montoya, and Boran Akisik. On Sept. 25, the three were on their way home after practice witnessed a hit and run incident at the intersection of Palfrey and Pearl streets.

Elections

Watertown School Committee Candidates Appearing at Live Forum

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Hear from the candidates for School Committee in a live, in-person candidate forum on Monday, Oct. 20 at Watertown Middle School. The public is welcome. The forum is co-hosted by Watertown News and Watertown Cable Access TV and begins at 6:30 p.m. The candidates — David Stokes, Jessica Middlebrook, Joe Ganno, and Sheila Krisnan — will discuss their views at the Watertown Middle School Auditorium. Amy Donohue will not be able attend the forum.

Elections

LETTER: Candidate Discusses Why He is Running for School Committee

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Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Fellow Watertown Residents,

With less than 3 weeks left until Election Day (although you can choose to cast your vote before Nov. 4th), I would like to take this opportunity to reintroduce myself, David Stokes, Candidate for School Committee. Perhaps you have already conversed with me, seen one of my yard signs, read my literature, visited my website, or watched my video. Please read on to find out more about my relevant experience, my longtime dedication, and my broad community focus – which together position me as a strong candidate for School Committee! You might recall that I had the distinct honor of serving on the School Committee 2020-23, through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government

City Manager Outlines What it Would Take for Watertown to Afford to Rebuild the Middle School

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Watertown Middle School (Courtesy of Watertown Public Schools)

The City Council must soon decided on how to proceed with Watertown Middle School’s renovations: completely redo it or do basic repairs. The catch is a complete renovation (or rebuilt) would required cutting funds planned to go to other areas. City Manager George Proakis outlined what it would take for the City to afford to completely renovate or rebuild the Middle School during his Preliminary Budget Overview for the Fiscal Year 2027 City budget. A big caveat in this plan is the Legislature approving Watertown’s Home Rule Petition that would provide tax relief to residential property owners, and would prevent tax increases of 11 to 18 percent next year (see details here). A feasibility study on the building a new middle school found that the cost of the full project was $112 million, which was well above the $87 million that the City budgeted for the project.

Elections

LETTER: Former Council President Endorses Candidate for Councilor At-Large

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Dear Editor,

Last Wednesday, Oct. 8, Theo Offei, was the Guest on the Eye on Watertown Podcast. I was very impressed with his platform that emphasizing and incorporating important issues that involve all constituents of Watertown rather than a few. As an original member of the Charter Commission that established the current management style; Manager – Council under which we are operating, we set up Districts and At-Large Positions. The Purpose of the Districts were to allow lesser- known Candidates to have a smaller field in order to get known; elected and later vie for an At-Large Position; thus, having new faces. Theo could have taken this District Road to being a member of the Council.