Around Town

Watertown’s Devaney Wins Governor’s Council Race

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Marilyn Pettito Devaney won the Democratic race for Governor’s Council. In a hard-fought, narrow race Watertown’s Marilyn Petitto Devaney won the Democratic race for District 3 Governor’s Councilor over Concord attorney Mara Dolan in the State Primary. Devaney received 1,702 more votes than Dolan, and received 50.9 percent of the vote, according to the Boston Globe‘s election results, in a district that includes 31 communities. The former Watertown Town Councilor appears to have secured her 13th term on the Governor’s Council because she has no opponent on ballot in the general election on Nov. 8.

Around Town

“Bar Rescue” Star Opens New Restaurant in Watertown’s Arsenal Yards

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Charlie Breitrose”Bar Rescue” star Jon Taffer designed Taffer’s Tavern, to have a feel like diners have been invited into his home. The restaurant officially opened Sept. 8 at Arsenal Yards. Crowds gathered at Arsenal Yards, onlookers held up cell phones, and people lined up to shake the hand of a celebrity on Thursday when Watertown got a taste of Hollywood. Jon Taffer, the start of Bar Rescue, stopped by Thursday morning for the grand opening of his new restaurant at Arsenal Yards — Taffer’s Tavern.

Election 2022

See How Watertown Voted in the 2022 State Primary

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Charlie Breitrose

Watertown’s results mostly mirrored the overall vote tally during the Sept. 6 State Primary, but there were a couple where local voters bucked the trend. Like the statewide results, Watertown voters favored Democrat Maura Healey and Republican Geoff Diehl for governor, the GOP’s Leah Allen and the Dem’s Kim Driscoll for lieutenant governor, Democrat Andrea Campbell for Attorney General, and William Galvin, a Dem, for Secretary of State. In two races, Watertown’s results were different from the overall result. Local voters favored Chris Dempsey for the Democratic nomination for Auditor, while Diana DiZoglio was named the winner. In the overall race for Governor’s Council District 3, Watertown’s Marilyn Petitto Devaney, the incumbent, holds a small lead over Mara Dolan.

Arrests

Police Log: Shoplifter Hit Store 2 Days in a Row, Phone Scam Used WPD Number

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

Aug. 23, 8:29 p.m.: Police received a report from a concerned person to check on the welfare of a woman who had left her home and was out in her vehicle. A short time later, police received another call about an erratic driver in the area of Warren Street and Waverley Avenue. The caller stayed on the phone and followed the vehicle, which was driving extremely slowly and would stop in the middle of the road and force other vehicles to go around.

Schools

School Committee Update: Changes to Student Handbooks, Rendering of New High School & More

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The following information was provided by the School Committee:

The School Committee met on Monday, August 29, 2022. Over the summer, the School Committee completed and presented the 2021/2022 Superintendent evaluation. Dr. (Dede) Galdston was rated as proficient or exemplary by all members on all four standards in addition to her overall performance. She continues to show strong and steady leadership and we are grateful she is leading the Watertown Public Schools. Minor changes were approved for the Middle School handbook, High School handbook and District handbook.

Government

Watertown Seeking Residents to Serve on Historical Commission

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Historical Commission. The Historical Commission was established in 1985 to preserve, protect, and advocate for the City’s historical or archaeological resources. The Commission’s responsibilities include implementing the Demolition Delay Ordinance, researching places of historic or archaeological value, educational outreach to the community, building upon the base of historic knowledge already in existence, and establishing long-lasting protection of these resources for future generations. The Commission cooperates with the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the State Archaeologist and renders opinions and recommendations to the City Council, City departments, and the public. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest accompanied by a resume or other information concerning background or experience by email to citymgr@watertown-ma.gov or City Manager’s Office, 149 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472

Government

Governor’s Council Candidate’s “Dubious” Endorsements; Election Day Coincides With Watertown’s First Day of School

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The race for District 3 Governor’s Council continues to grab headlines as one of the candidates claimed support from Massachusetts politicians that it appears she does not have. Also, the City officials want voters to be aware — with many polling places located at schools — that election day falls on the same day as Watertown students head back to school. During a recent League of Women’s Voters forum District 3 Governor’s Councilor Marilyn Petitto Devaney, from Watertown, stated that she had endorsements, which were later refuted. The 12-term incumbent faces Concord’s Mara Dolan in the Democratic Primary for the seat on the board which, among other things, votes on the Governor’s nominations for judges and nominees for other boards, and on vote on the Governor’s proposed pardons and commutations of prisoners. In the debate, which was shown by NewTV (Newton’s public access channel), Devaney said she had been endorsed by Congressman Jim McGovern and Democratic State Auditor candidate Chris Dempsey.

Around Town

See How Labor Day Impacts Trash, Recycling & City Amenities

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https://clipartix.com

The Labor Day holiday will impact trash and recycling, as well as City facilities such as City Hall and the Library. City officials announced that Watertown City Hall, the Watertown Free Public Library and the Senior Center will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 5, 2022. Labor Day Trash & Recycling Schedule

The City also announced that due to the Labor Day holiday the trash and recycling pickup will be moved to Tuesday, September 6 through Saturday, September 10, 2022. Therefore, a home that normally has trash and recycling on Monday will be on Tuesday, those on Tuesday will be Wednesday, and so on. See more about Trash and Recycling here: https://watertown-ma.gov/738/Trash-and-Recycling