Development

LETTER: Resident Supports Residential Design Standards

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To the Editor:

Mr DiMascio’s letter that posits Residential Design Standards as a property rights issue and a function of big, bad government is a Red Herring. What is a Red Herring? It is a distraction, a false lead. I’d guess that the rest of us are happy that drivers, doctors, and restaurants are licensed; that zoning won’t allow a drive-through eatery on a row of two family houses; that dogs have to get rabies shots; that day care centers are inspected. It’s a trade-off when we choose to live in community, on streets with neighbors, and share civic space with others.

Election 2015

LETTER: District B Councilor-Elect Thanks Supporters, Looks Forward to Serving

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To all District B Watertown voters and supporters:

I wanted to make sure you know how grateful I am for all the support I received in both the preliminary and general election campaigns for District B Town Councillor. To everyone I had the privilege to talk with while campaigning, thank you for sharing your thoughts, your energy, and your steady encouragement to run for office. Over the past several months, I encountered a great deal of hope for the future and an ongoing pride in Watertown, both for what it has been, is, and for what it can become. As I reflect on the campaign efforts, and as I look forward to the honor of serving as your town councilor, I remain filled with gratitude and humility, as I continue to prepare to represent you. I value your efforts to make our town the best it can be, and I look forward to staying in touch.

Elections

LETTER: Council Candidate Has Many Thank Yous to Send Out

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To the Editor,

Regarding the recent local election, I would like to thank:

Rosemary Caouette, my campaign treasurer and her husband Joe, past VFW Post #1105 Commander, for their outstanding support and confidence in me
Watertown Fire Department, for their holding campaign signs supporting me in Coolidge Square on many Saturday mornings and election day and their total support of me and my campaign
Veterans Carl Miller, Gordon Brown, Phil DeVincentis, Ralph Holmberg, and Bud Krapf for holding signs for me
Emilio and Maria Leone and Bill McMahon for holding signs for me
Shutt Marine Detachment, for their use of their facility for my kick-off event and post-election party
The 45 percent of District A voters who voted for me, who determined that there was not one “clear choice” in this election
Emilio’s Restaurant, Green Peapod, Whale Laundromat, Deluxe Town Diner and Andrea’s House
of Pizza – all Coolidge Square businesses, for allowing me to post campaign signs in their
windows
The 26 residents of District A who allowed me to post campaign signs on their lawns
The many residents who conversed with me as I visited hundreds of homes in the district
passing out flyers and listening to their issues. There were many issues in this election. Patryce Georgopoulos for allowing me to partner with her at the Shutt Marine Detachment for a post-election event

As I quickly found out, it takes financing to run a campaign. A big thank you to the Watertown Fire Union Local #1347, Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and the many supporters who contributed to my campaign. It is important to encourage and support many candidates to run for office, so that voters have a choice among a variety of candidates.

Government

LETTER: Property Rights at Risk in Proposed Residential Design Guidelines

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To the Editor

There will be a very important meeting this Thursday Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Middle School on Waverley Ave., Watertown. It is important that people who own property in Watertown show up to protect their property rights. Some are seeking to encumber a homeowner’s rights by putting style restrictions on new construction, additions, or modifications to their homes. This goes beyond the reasonable setbacks and frontage requirements, but deals with style.

Election 2015

LETTER: Councilor At-Large Sends Out Thanks Regarding the Election

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Dear Editor:

Thank you to the voters for returning me to the Town Council for another two-year term. 

I look forward to working with the other councilors, new and returning, to implement the Comprehensive Plan, and manage (and reduce) the large number of cars that travel on our streets every day; a concern we all heard repeatedly while campaigning. The school committee and library trustee races enlivened this election season and the questionnaires and interviews and forums from the media and citizen groups showed that it takes more than candidates to make democracy work. Thanks to all who participated.  

Susan Falkoff
Councilor-at-Large

Elections

LETTER: Town Councilor Thanks East Enders for Support During Election

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To the Editor,

It is a distinct honor and privilege to be entering my sixth consecutive term as your District A, East End, Town Councilor. I offer my gratitude to you, the voters of the East End, for acknowledging my efforts for neighborhood quality of life and service to our community. A special thank you to my Town-wide supporters who spoke of my endeavors to their East End friends. Transparency and accountability in Town government are our common goals. My heartfelt appreciation is also extended to Mark Sideris, John S. Airasian, Paul DerBoghosian, Anthony Donato, Joan Merritt Kraus, Harry Parsekian and Ruth Thomasian for taking the initiative to publicly offer your endorsement for my re-election.

Elections

LETTER: Council President Candidate Thanks People for Help and Support

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Dear Editor,

I am gracious for and wish to thank all who voted for me on Tuesday, Nov. 3. While we fell short of being elected, I met some absolutely fantastic old and new friends. It was a pleasure meeting everyone and discussing the community’s journey into the future. This is a great community; and by being a candidate for an elective office, it contributes to your lifelong learning. As I travelled around each day and met someone new or old, during conversations, I learned something new and a different perspective from my own point of view that I had not considered.

Elections

LETTER: Elected Town Council Candidate Thanks His Supporters

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Dear Editor,

My sincerest thanks to each voter, volunteer, supporter, and family member that each contributed towards electing me as a Town Councilor At-Large on Tuesday. I appreciate the opportunity you have given to me and look forward to serving you all honorably during the coming term. I pledge to collaborate with residents, town departments, and fellow councilors to ensure that we improve the quality of life and infrastructure in our community, while celebrating and enhancing our historical heritage and cultural diversity. There will be many opportunities for residents to remain engaged during the next two years, as Watertown will continue to be faced with challenges and opportunities that will require dialogue and debate. Please participate in that process, either by reaching out to your councilors via phone, email, or face-to-face.