Around Town

Group Backing Community Preservation Act Tours a Hidden Natural Area

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Invest in Watertown launched its effort to pass the Community Preservation Act (CPA) in town with a tour of an area that could be upgraded with funds from the CPA program. The group submitted the following account of the day:

On Saturday, Feb. 6, a hardy group of some 50 persons aged 2 to 82 gathered near Walker Pond in western Watertown. Guided by Leo Martin of the Watertown Conservation Commission, they had come to view firsthand some of the town’s few remaining open spaces and officially launch Invest in Watertown, a campaign to bring the Community Preservation Act to Watertown. The Community Preservation Act, enacted in 2000, enables Massachusetts municipalities to dedicate funds annually for the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of open space, affordable housing, and historic resources.

Government

LETTER: Resident Urges Town Not to Sell Old Police Station, Branch Libraries

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Dear Councilors,

At a time when our town is being given over to development, it should have become very clear to you by now that citizens want you to maintain some of Watertown’s distinctive buildings and lifestyle. It has come to my attention that the town is considering selling off more of our property. I am writing to urge you: Do not sell the old police station or the branch libraries, or any other properties belonging to the people of Watertown. These properties were meant to be used for our benefit. I am hoping you will begin thinking outside the box about new uses for these buildings.

Elections

LETTER: Town Councilor Backs Candidate for Democratic State Committee

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To the Editor:

When I vote in the Democratic Primary on March 1, I will be happy to vote for the presidential candidate of my choice and also to support our own Steve Owens’ bid for election to the Democratic State Committee. Steve cares about Democrats and he cares about the democratic process and he has brought new life to Democratic politics in Watertown. As chair of the Democratic Town Committee, Steve has energized old members and welcomed newcomers. He has earned the respect of Democrats statewide and this has allowed him to draw on a wide range of contacts to arrange speakers for the well-attended monthly meetings: office-holders, office-seekers, and experts on subjects of interest. Steve brought 21st technology to local campaigns and the local campaigns of state-wide candidates.

Environment

LETTER: Coordinators Wanted to Lead Spring River Cleanups

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To The Editor,

Help Us End Litter: Join the Great Massachusetts Cleanup

So far, the amount of snowfall this winter is nowhere near the levels we experienced last year. While this is good news for municipal snow removal budgets across Massachusetts, the lack of snow is bad news for anyone who enjoys a break from seeing the litter that has piled up along our roadsides. Unfortunately, litter has become a serious problem all over our state. Trash along our major highways, suburban streets, in small wooded areas, and along secluded country roads is not only ugly, but it sends the message that Massachusetts doesn’t care much about its appearance. For a state that relies on tourist dollars to fuel a large portion of its economy, this makes little sense.

Elections

LETTER: Candidate for Democratic State Committee Introduces Himself

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Friends, Neighbors, and Constituents:

I am a lifelong Democrat and resident of the 2nd Suffolk and Middlesex senatorial district. I attended high school in a neighboring town, and later graduated from Boston University and the London School of Economics. We live in a highly diverse and prominent district and I am writing to remind voters in Watertown, Belmont, Brighton/Allston, Back Bay, and Fenway to come out and vote on Tuesday, March 1 in the Presidential Primary election. Now as we turn to this election year, the stakes could not be greater for our nation and our local communities. I urge voters to take a hard look at all of the candidates running for U.S. President and the U.S. Congress, and down ballot races.

Elections

LETTER: Founder of Progressive Watertown Backs Steve Owens

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Letter to Editor;

I’ve been lucky to be a political organizer in Watertown. Watertown’s reputation as a progressive base has grown with each election, from the Patrick for Governor campaign to the rousing campaigns for Elizabeth Warren, Ed Markey, and other progressive statewide and local races. In each of these elections, Steve Owens has proven his mastery of GOTV by helping to secure clear majorities for the Democratic candidate in Watertown. During these elections, the state-wide committees saved their resources and let Watertown run with it. In fact, the Warren campaign credits Watertown with training many of their regional coordinators.

Government

LETTER: Town Councilor Says Tax Increase Are Hurting Watertown Residents

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{Note: Angeline Kounelis originally sent this letter to Town Manager Michael Driscoll.}

Dear Editor;

On Nov. 24, 2015, the majority of the Town Council voted to accept the 20 percent Residential Exemption as presented in material prepared by the Town Assessor, Board of Assessors and Town Auditor for the allocation of property taxes between property classes for Fiscal Year 2016. During the presentation, it was clearly stated that single family and condominium owners could realize a savings of approximately $200. Multi-family dwellings would most be impacted with a possible five to $800 increase. These figures are now reality, and then some. Of the options that have been presented to the Town Council for consideration, for many years I have advocated for a more fair and equitable increase of the owner occupied exemption to 25 percent that would shift more of the burden to absentee landlords.

Charity

LETTER: Wayside Thanks Sacred Heart Parish for Its Generosity

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Dear Editor,

On behalf of Wayside Multi-Service Center’s Social Services Resource Specialist program for the Town of Watertown, I am writing to express how moved we were by the generosity of the Parish of the Sacred Heart this Christmas season. As the Social Services Resource Specialist for the Town of Watertown, I work with many families in the community that need extra support and resources, and for these families, as for many of us, this time of year can be very difficult. The generosity of gift donations the Parishioners contributed helped over 30 families have a very special holiday! I often think of the quote from Mahatma Gandhi that says, “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” Rev. Curran and the Parish of the Sacred Heart have shown compassion, friendship and the best form of community through their generous donations. On behalf of all the families, and the staff of Wayside Multi-Service Center, we thank the Parish of The Sacred Heart so much again and we wish you all a wonderful 2016!  

Sincerely,
Danielle DeMoss, LICSW
Watertown Social Services Resource Specialist
Wayside Youth & Family Support Network /Multi-Service Center
127 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA.