Letters

LETTER: Watertown’s Trash Pickup is Broken

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The New Trash Pickup Rules Don’t Work

Three years ago, Watertown significantly changed the rules around trash pickup. Previously, we could get rid of most things easily by putting them out with the trash. Now, the system is to call Republic to schedule a pickup for bulky “burnables” such as old furniture, and they charge a variable amount per item determined by Republic based on size and shape. They won’t take them otherwise. Similarly, so-called “white goods” such as electronics and small appliances must also be scheduled with Republic, and mattresses need to be scheduled with yet another different service.

Letters

LETTER: The More Things Change — Fiscal Anxiety and Growth in Watertown 100 Years Ago

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This week we enter 2026. But what was Watertown like in 1926? The year 1926 found Watertown at a critical juncture, grappling with the growing pains of a rapidly modernizing suburb. As the town transitioned from its industrial roots toward a more residential future, the municipal government faced the daunting task of balancing fiscal conservatism with the urgent need for infrastructure expansion. The following history, drawn from the 1926 Watertown Annual Town Report, reveals a community navigating the complexities of the early motor age, educational demands, and the eternal debate over the “tax burden.”

Letters

LETTER: Former City Councilor Weighs in on City Using Flock License Plate Capturing Cameras

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Greetings Councilors:

Now that the electorate is aware of the Flock Safety camera fiasco; the Council is backpedaling to save face with a public process. Please: don’t insult us by spinning the words. Let’s not forget: the Council approved the Flock Safety equipment purchase through the budget process.The horsie was out of the barn on 06/10/25, when the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget was unanimously approved. Manager, Proakis signed the Flock contract on 09/11/25. Followed by a purchase order on 09/12/25.

Letters

OP-ED: Trip to Seaport Shows Big Holes in MBTA Service

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An MBTA Bus at the Watertown Yard. By Mark Pickering

MBTA service in Watertown has been in decline for years – even as neighboring communities have seen theirs maintained or even improved. Watertown has the worst MBTA service of any community bordering it and all of Boston’s neighborhoods. One of the latest blows is the elimination of the so-called “Express” bus to South Station. The result: It took me and hour and a half to get to my former Boston Herald offices in the Seaport.

Letters

LETTER: Resident Encourages Congresswoman Clark to Sponsor Nuclear Disarmament Resolution

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Dear Editor,

As a resident of Watertown, I am hopeful that Congresswoman Clark will join Senators Markey and Warren and Congressmen Jim McGovern, Stephen Lynch and Richie Neal in cosponsoring an important resolution to the U.S. Congress that addresses the incredibly dangerous situation in the world right now: the threat of nuclear war. H. Res 317 calls upon the United States government to enter into negotiations with the other nuclear-armed states for a verifiable, enforceable agreement to eliminate their nuclear arsenals. It also urges our government to implement safeguards to reduce the danger of nuclear war while these negotiations take place. The resolution does not call for unilateral disarmament. The threat of nuclear war is hiding in plain sight, but the threat is real and growing.

Around Town

OP-ED: Cable Revenue Is Vanishing, What Happens to Local Democracy If WCA-TV Fades Away?

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“You’re watching Watertown Cable News, presented by WCA-TV.” It’s the calling card heard every Thursday night at 7pm from Watertown Cable Access studios. Lights, camera, action, it’s time to talk about the week’s top stories. The winter parking ban continues for another year. The Senior Center holds its annual health fair. The Planning Board votes to approve additional dwelling units.

Charity

LETTER: Food Pantry Thanks Community for Its Support; Even With SNAP Restored the Need is Not Over

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It has been a whirlwind of a month at the Watertown Food Pantry, as we faced one of the greatest obstacles in feeding our clients that we have encountered. We’ve been through COVID, the fall of our ceiling, and, at this moment, the emergent loss of our space, but the loss of life-saving SNAP benefits for our clients was devastating, personal, and emotional to all of our volunteers who care so much for our clients. And yet, they showed up, handed out as much as they could, with sympathy, empathy, and love to all who came through our doors. My heartfelt thanks and gratitude goes out to all these unsung hero’s, without whom, we could not do what we do. And to our Watertown Community — you always come through for us!  Thank you for all your donations of food! Thank you for all your monetary donations! Thank you for your words of support!