Around Town

LETTER: Resident Backs Candidates Who Will Bring “New Blood” to Council, School Committee

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It’s great to live in such an active and diverse town. I’m writing because over the past decade, there has been extreme apathy in the local voting process. Fewer and fewer people are going to the polls for local elections, and voter turnout percentages are at an all-time low – about 4%! It is truly disheartening that many major economic, development, financial, and transportation decisions are being made by town council members who only represent the views of a small fraction of the Watertown population. But, this year, we have seen a true swell of passion, interest, and concern over the voting process and the direction our town is taking. We’re seeing a strong influx of new candidates who will challenge elements of the status quo and provide voters like us with real options and choices. 

These candidates bring “new blood” and perspectives to the election process, and they will offer well-informed visions for the future of Watertown.

Elections

LETTER: School Committee Candidate Would Bring Expertise in Supporting Student Mental Health

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As a parent of two elementary school-aged children and a doctorate-level behavioral health policy researcher and consultant who works with state and local governments across the US, I am keenly aware of the toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on the mental health of children and youth. In the past 18 months this community has experienced unprecedented levels of trauma from isolation, job and housing insecurity, and the loss of loved ones. And those at the margins of society — people with disabilities, people with lower incomes, immigrant families, and communities of color — have experienced this trauma more intensely. As Watertown repairs, recoups, and reconnects, it is essential that we focus on the mental health of our young people. For this reason, I’m voting for Jessica Middlebrook for School Committee on November 2nd.

Election 2021

LETTER: School Committee Candidate is an Invaluable Resource for Families

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I was recently part of a group of residents who wrote an endorsement of Lily Rayman-Read for reelection to the Watertown School Committee. That endorsement outlines Lily’s many credentials and accomplishments, as well as the impressive amount of work Lily performed during her current tenure as a School Committee member. You can read it here: (https://www.watertownmanews.com/2021/10/06/letter-group-of-resident-support-candidate-for-school-committee/). I am writing today to highlight what an incredible resource Lily has been for numerous Watertown parents and families over the past four years. Before the pandemic, I had never met or spoken with Lily.

Election 2021

LETTER: Former Town Council President Endorses Council, School Committee Candidates

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Dear residents, friends, families,  taxpayers, parents and life long “townies”, 

On Tuesday, November 2nd,  we/you will be faced with an outcome of an election that will forever be embedded in the history of Watertown. As your past and only female (to date) Town Council President, I am making a plea to you to consider the outcome of this election. Quite honestly, it will be one for the history books. Candidates who are employing the likes of radicals and activists are asking you to vote for them and their selected candidates. I make no apologies for not supporting them.

Charter Changes

LETTER: East End Resident Endorses Slate of Candidates, Votes on Charter Changes

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I am a parent and committed progressive in the East End of Watertown. Here’s what I’m supporting this year, and why:

Ballot question 1: Doesn’t Matter, but I’m voting yes. This one will change the official name Watertown from “the City known as the Town of Watertown” to “the City of Watertown”, and accordingly change “town council” to “city council” etc. This one sounds cosmetic because it is. There’s no trick here, just change the designation or not. We can all just do whatever feels good.

Election 2021

LETTER: State Rep. Supports Watertown School Committee Candidate

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School Committee candidate Jessica Middlebrook and State Rep. Steve Owens. Dear Watertown Community,

I write this letter to enthusiastically endorse Jessica Middlebrook for the Watertown School Committee. I have known Jessica for 9 years, and throughout that time, no one has worked harder on behalf of campaigns and causes that align with her progressive values. Now, as she embarks upon her own campaign, I stand with Jessica in her efforts to lift up all voices in the Watertown school community. She will bring intelligence, empathy, and prudence to the Committee; our whole town will benefit from her leadership.

Election 2021

LETTER: Mother of Two Watertown Students Endorses School Committee Candidate

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Greetings friends and fellow Watertownites,

I am writing this letter to enthusiastically endorse Jen Nicholson in her campaign for School Committee. I actually could not fathom a more perfect candidate for the job. Jen’s background leaves her uniquely qualified for a seat on our School Committee. She has had roles in all sides of the school system which will inform how she makes decisions for our school as a whole. The Watertown Schools are part of who Jen Nicholson is as a person.

District A

LETTER: Watertown State Rep. Endorses Candidate for District A Councilor

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I’m writing today as a parent, an East End resident, and a public servant to endorse Nicole Gardner to be our next District A Town Councilor. I encourage my fellow East Watertown residents to join me in voting for Nicole on November 2nd. Nicole Gardner has the analytical mind, vision, values, and independence necessary for the East End to prosper and flourish. We have some significant challenges ahead — housing affordability, the scale and pace of new business developments, traffic congestion, maintaining our green spaces, and ensuring that we work toward sustainability. 

As the East End grows, we need a Town Councilor with Nicole’s unique combination of business expertise, community organizing experience, and progressive values. I have seen firsthand how deeply Nicole cares about our community.