Environment

LETTER: Stormwater Committee Member Urges Council to Adopt New Ordinance

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To the Editor,

On Tuesday, February 23, 2016, during its regularly scheduled meeting, the Town Council will hold a Public Hearing and Vote on a proposed Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Ordinance. As a member of the Watertown Stormwater Advisory Committee (SAC) that originally proposed this Ordinance, I submit that the adoption of this Ordinance is the right move for Watertown at this time for two reasons. First of all, the Town of Watertown, in accordance with its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for discharging stormwater into the Charles River from its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), is required to have ordinances governing (1) erosion control during construction projects, (2) post-construction management of stormwater on newly developed and redeveloped sites, and (3) illicit discharges to the storm drainage system. The Town enacted an ordinance prohibiting illicit discharges to the storm drainage system in 2011. The proposed Ordinance will address the first two.

Government

LETTER: Steve Owens Receives Endorsement for Democratic State Committee

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I am happy to endorse Steve Owens as committeeman for the Democratic State Committee. Steve and his family have put down strong roots in Watertown and they have been deeply involved in our community; they have been homeowners in Watertown since 2003 and have two young sons attending the Hosmer School. Steve has done a fine job serving as chairman of the Wartertown Democratic Committee since 2008. He is a professional transportation consultant and serves on Watertown’s Public Transit Task Force. We are fortunate to have the benefit of his expertise with all the new development Watertown faces.

Elections

LETTER: Local GOP Committee Endorses Steve Aylward for State Committee

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The Watertown Republican Town Committee is pleased to announce that it has unanimously endorsed Steven Aylward for re-election as Republican State Committeeman in the 2nd Suffolk and Middlesex State Senate District. In his first term Steve recruited 2 candidates to run for State Representative and finding no candidate to run for State Senate he ran himself in 2012. That was the first time in decades that our Senate district had 3 legislative candidates on the ballot simultaneously. In addition he recruited candidates for School Committee in both Watertown and Belmont. Perhaps the most important accomplishment was saving the taxpayers of Massachusetts billions of dollars by leading the effort to repeal the Automatic Gas Tax increases.

Elections

LETTER: Watertown GOP Town Committee Chair Backs Debby Dugan

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The Watertown Republican Town Committee (RTC) proudly and unanimously endorses Deborah (Debby) Dugan of Watertown in her race to become the next Republican State Committeewoman representing the Second Suffolk and Middlesex District. Debby, currently serves as the Secretary of the Watertown RTC; as well she is one of two Republican representatives on Watertown’s Board of Election Commissioners. Having served as elected member of Stillwater Elementary and Kittatinny Regional HS Boards of Education in New Jersey School, Debby also has experience as a candidate, public official, and as an activist. Over the years Debby has worked on several Republican campaigns both inside and outside the District. These efforts ranged from local school committee races, to various State Rep and State Senate races, ballot initiatives, and of course for our Statewide Republican Candidates. Debby is a selfless activist who dedicated to the cause of bring limited efficient government of Massachusetts.

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.