Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/category/letters/page/8/)
When I moved to the East End of Watertown almost fourteen years ago, it was a very consciouschoice. I was familiar with Watertown as I had often visited friends who lived here. I knew that the East End was only a short electric bus ride to the Harvard Square transit hub. The neighborhood was served by both the 71 and 73 bus lines. I liked the ethnic vibe.
I’m writing as a Watertown resident and community leader to make a full-throated endorsement for Nicole Gardner to become our next District A Town Councilor. I encourage all progressives who live in the East End to cast their ballots for Nicole on November 2nd. Having worked closely with Nicole on the steering committee of Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice, and the Environment, I have seen her dedication to this community firsthand. Nicole has proven herself to be an open-minded and humble collaborator, taken the initiative on projects when she saw the need, and shown strong leadership. Her creativity, energy, and critical thinking will be an asset to our entire town.
We write to you today to enthusiastically endorse Daniel D’Amico for Watertown Councilor at-large. As parents of children in town, we have all worked with Dan over the years and know him as a thoughtful, entrepreneurial, and forward-thinking leader. He has volunteered his time in town, most recently serving as a community member on the WFPL Strategic Planning Committee in 2020-21. He has also spent the last 15 years coaching the children of Watertown and instilling in them the values of teamwork, fair play, and hard work and we know he would bring these skills to the Town Council if elected. Dan is a lifelong resident of Watertown and has a long history of engagement in town, yet he is committed to serving Watertown in a way that is inclusive of all views.
Watertown has had a challenging year, yet, working together, we’ve made much progress in building a stronger community. I’m John Gannon, and for the last two years I’ve had the honor of serving as one of your four town councilors at-large. I grew up here, the beneficiary of a rich, colorful, multicultural Watertown upbringing. I graduated from Watertown High, inspired and guided by my teachers to begin a life of public service. I chose to remain in Watertown after college and law school, attracted by that samecommunity spirit that welcomes new residents to establish their lives here, too.
Rachel Kay is a data scientist, a Lowell School mom, and a determined advocate for the students and families of Watertown. She is now running for Watertown School Committee and, if elected, her unique voice will be an excellent addition to school leadership in our community. “Data” has become a trendy thing to talk about, and for good reason because it can be extremely valuable to a well-functioning organization. But, it can be misused or used in an ineffective manner. That is where Rachel’s background will be such a huge asset to our school system.
Dear fellow District B residents,
I’d like to give a shout for re-electing Lisa Feltner, current District B Councilor. While I am happy to see new people running for a number of open and filled slots (the interest this year is really encouraging!), I have to throw my support behind Lisa. She has been a consistent voice for District B and always responsive to her constituents. She has also stuck her neck out on some tight votes over the past few years and I have greatly appreciated that. I think Lisa is someone who thinks hard about issues and will stand up for what she thinks is best for Watertown.
The following letter was provided by the Greater Boston Labor Council:
The Greater Boston Labor Council – the umbrella labor union organization for the Boston area – has officially endorsed Mike Hanlon for Town Council, District A, citing his ongoing commitment to union members and to creating an equitable economy. The Greater Boston Labor Council represents more than 100,000 union members in the region, including many in Watertown. “The GBLC engaged in a rigorous process to consider endorsements and we are very proud to stand with Mike Hanlon in this race,” said Darlene Lombos, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Greater Boston Labor Council (GBLC). “Mike Hanlon has been a champion for workers’ rights and shares our vision for an economy that works for all of us. Watertown needs leaders that not only understand what working families are up against, but are ready to tackle big challenges and reimagine our city to build back better for a truly equitable economy.”
Lombos continued, “We believe that these leaders will tackle the urgent challenges of our time head on, from quality jobs, equitable development, affordable housing, pay equity, affordable and accessible child care and the escalating climate crisis.
Watertown’s chapter of 350 Mass Action, a local climate advocacy group, has endorsed the following slate of candidates for the November election:
Town Council:
District A: Nicole Gardner
District B: Lisa Feltner
District C: Vincent Piccirilli
District D: Connie Henry
At Large: Anthony Palomba, Caroline Bays, John Gannon and Daniel D’Amico
School Committee: Lily Rayman-Read, Jessica Middlebrook, Rachel Kay
350 Mass Action is a statewide organization whose mission is to endorse and support candidates for local, state and national offices who are committed to support and enact policies and legislation to resolve our climate crisis. Candidates responded to a questionnaire which addressed the need to eliminate greenhouse gases in housing, transportation and the electric grid while protecting families and populations most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
People interested in learning more about 350 Mass Action are encouraged to contact Rick Kalish at rkalish54@gmail.com
Richard KalishWatertown Resident