Community Preservation Act

Groups For and Against Question 5 – the CPA – Make Their Cases

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The election is a week away, and the debate over whether Watertown should adopt the Community Preservation Act – the CPA – continues to rage. 

Watertown News invited the supporters and opposition of the CPA on the town ballot to state their case for why voters should vote “Yes” or “No” on Question #5. Invest in Watertown, which proposed the Ballot Question, got 1,000 words, and the two groups publicly opposing the CPA – the Concerned Watertown Homeowners and Watertown Strong Schools – each got 500 words. Read their statements by clicking the title below:
Yes on 5: Invest in Watertown Supports Passing Community Preservation Act
No on 5: Concerned Homeowners, Watertown Strong Schools Oppose CPA
Also, find out more about the details of the CPA by clicking here.

Schools

LETTER: Resident Opposes Ballot Question to Raise Cap on Charter Schools

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The “yes” on charter Schools – Question 2 campaign has provided specious and untrue statements in their literature and TV and radio commercials. I am very concerned from what I hear first hand as I have been canvassing to vote NO on Question #2. People are confused and misled by the Yes Charter School misinformation. I had lobbied the legislators to take the vote to keep the cap on charter schools. I believe it should not be a ballot question.

Schools

LETTER: Time Not Right for CPA, Schools Should Take Priority

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The amicably-named Community Preservation Act sounds like a program nearly anyone would enthusiastically support. Many of us believe in the value of historical buildings in giving a town it’s character, maintaining affordable housing, and preserving green space. It conjures up the image of a well-cared-for and friendly town, and who wouldn’t want to live there? Unfortunately, Watertown has some significant needs. We love our community, but we are not yet the best that we can be.

Election 2016

Warren Tolman Speaking at Fundraiser for Pro-Community Preservation Act Group

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Invest In Watertown invites you to a FUNdraiser! Help bring the Community Preservation Act to Watertown! Invest in Watertown announced it will host a Conversation, Food, and Drink with Warren Tolman. The former State Senator and FOX 25 Commentator will discuss the 2016 Presidential Election. The meeting is Sunday, Oct. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the new Marriott Residence Inn, 570 Arsenal St.

Election 2016

Devaney, Koutoujian Win in Watertown, Clinch Nominations

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Marilyn Petitto Devaney won the Watertown vote for Governor’s Council with 60 percent of the vote, and was declared the winner. Also, Sheriff Peter Koutoujian won Watertown with nearly 90 percent of the vote. The primary election only brought out 1,845 voters, or close to 8 percent of the registered voters in town. Town Clerk John Flynn said that amount is slightly higher than anticipated. Devaney, a former Watertown Town Councilor, received 1,004 votes in her hometown, but the district includes 27 communities.

Community Preservation Act

Community Preservation Act Approved to go on Watertown Ballot

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The Community Preservation Act in Watertown will be on the ballot in town this November when residents will get to vote on whether create a fund for open space, affordable housing and historical preservation by adding a surcharge to tax bills. This will be the second time the CPA has been on the ballot in Watertown. In 2005 the measure made the ballot but was voted down. This time a group called Invest in Watertown has resurrected the effort, and on Tuesday announce they had the signatures needed to get on the ballot. Even before the CPA officially made the ballot, the Concerned Watertown Homeowners Association came out opposing adding to the town’s tax rates for the CPA (see the group’s letter here).

Election 2016

A Couple Candidates with Local Ties on Thursday’s State Primary Ballot

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There’s an election this week on an unusual day – Thursday – and there are some locals on the ballot. The State Primary was moved to Thursday by Secretary of State William Galvin to avoid a conflict with the day after the Labor Day holiday. Polls will be open on Sept. 8 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Democrats have two contested races to vote in, and both races feature people with local ties. Longtime Governor’s Councilor Marilyn Petitto Devaney, a former Watertown Town Councilor will be running for reelection.

Government

Election Poll Workers Needed for Sept. & Nov. 2016 Elections

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The Watertown Elections Department is looking for poll workers during this busy upcoming election season, the town announced. 

The State Primary is on Thursday, Sept. 8 and the General Election is on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Poll workers must be registered voters and have the ability to work from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on one or both elections. Y0u can obtain an employment application on the Town of Watertown’s website, www.watertown-ma.gov in the Document Center (top right corner) in the Town Clerk’s Election folder.