Campaign Finance

UPDATED: See How Much Watertown Candidates Raised and Who Gave Them Money

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{Updated Nov. 7 at 8:50 a.m.: The reports for School Committee candidate Liz Yusem and Council Candidate David Stokes was left off the first version of the story.}

One candidate for Town Council raised nearly $17,000 and two others raised several thousand for their run this year according to campaign finance reports filed at the Watertown Town Clerk’s office. The Town Council drew some big bucks this year. Here are the candidates, from highest funds raised to lowest:

Anthony Donato raised $16,695 as of Oct. 30, and spent $5,997.06.

Election 2017

LETTER: Resident Supporting Caroline Bays for Town Council

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Watertown has been blessed with a great group of candidates for Town Council this election. I am writing to ask you to give one of your four votes to candidate for Councilor-At-Large Caroline Bays. No one I know has worked harder or more continuously for progressive candidates and causes than Caroline. She is a dynamo who will bring great energy to the Town Council.  At the same time she is a trained mediator, with the skills to help the Council come to consensus on the important issues that Watertown faces today. I know that she will work as hard as possible to make sure that development in  Watertown is sustainable, environmentally responsible, and scaled appropriately.  She knows that the decisions that the town makes now will impact us all for years to come.

Election 2017

LETTER: Thank You Watertown from a School Committee Candidate

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Hello Watertown,

I have had an amazing experience getting to know many people throughout our community over the past few months, and gathering terrific insight into the strengths and challenges our schools face from a multitude of perspectives. As I wrap up campaigning for School Committee, I wanted to thank everyone who has been involved in the conversations and political process thus far, especially my fellow candidates. I have been lucky to garner support and endorsements from a wide variety of groups including the Watertown Fire Department, and individual endorsements from notable Watertown residents such as Richard Marcus, John Labadini, Elodia Thomas, Kate Coyne, and Alyson Morales and Elaina Griffith. As a teacher I believe that strong schools are the foundation of a strong community, and I am committed to working incredibly hard on behalf of all of our students. Our schools are at an incredibly important turning point and having people in leadership who are personally invested in the outcomes of our schools is vital.

Election 2017

LETTER: Resident Reveals Choices for Town Council, School Committee

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Dear Editor,
As a person who is often asked who’s who this election and who are your supporting, I would like to humbly submit that after meeting all the candidates, I’m going with, and rooting for, Anthony Donato and Michael Dattoli for Town Council, as well as Lily Read and Amy Howard Donohue for School Committee. I’m undecided as to how, if at all, I will use my other remaining votes. When it comes to municipal elections I’ve always voted the person, not the party. That’s why on Tuesday I’m voting for these 4 community “doers’ who have won my vote by listening, asking questions, showing empathy for all, and taking action in the spirit of giving back to the community they love, knowing no vote will please everyone. That in and of it itself shows a commitment not many of us posses.

Election 2017

LETTER: Council Candidate Thanks Those Who Are Supporting Her Run

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Hello Everyone,

I’d like to thank all those who signed my petition back in July to help get me on the ballot and all of the people supporting me in this election. Many people have had the chance to get to know me. For those who haven’t had the chance to meet me, there a few ways you can find out about me. My candidate interview can be seen on Watertown Cables Access Television at http://wcatv.org/election-2017/council-at-large/michelle-cokonougher/. My answers to the Watertown News Candidate Q&A can be read on this site at http://www.watertownmanews.com/2017/11/02/council-candidate-qa-michelle-cokonougher/.

Concerned Watertown Homeowners

Town Council Candidates Tackle Issues at Concerned Homeowners Forum

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Many subjects came up during the Concerned Watertown Homeowners Association Meet the Candidates night, but one that was touched more than once was the affordability of living in Watertown. Property taxes and rents are growing even as the town undergoes a massive amount of development. One man said both his children have master’s degrees and good jobs, but cannot afford to buy in Watertown. The candidates for Town Council at the forum (Michelle Cokonougher was unable to attend) agreed that it is more and more difficult to buy a home in town, rent or even to stay in a property in town and shared their ideas for how to tackle the problem. The candidates for Town Councilor At-Large were asked about their ideas for controlling taxes, reducing taxes and/or making it easier for people to afford to be in town.

Election 2017

School Committee Hopefuls Share Their Views in the Candidate Q&As

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The Watertown Public Schools are in a time of transition, with new leadership, plans to rebuild or renovate the schools and efforts to take the district to the next level. The School Committee oversees the budget and hires and evaluates the superintendent, as well as advising on other issues. On Nov. 7, voters will elect three members of the seven-member board. Watertown News reached out to the six candidates and asked questions about some of the biggest issues facing the Watertown Public Schools – improving education in the Watertown Schools, communication with parents and residents and attracting and retaining quality teachers.

Election 2017

LETTER: Resident Explains Why He Will Vote for Anthony Donato for Council

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There are many reasons to vote for Anthony Donato for Councilor at Large on November 7th. If you live in East Watertown, Anthony was a neighbor of yours for years on
Hillcrest Circle. His mother Eleanor Sullivan Donato lived on Upland Road for many more than that. The Sullivan Playground in Coolidge Square is named for Lt. Paul J. Sullivan,
Anthony’s uncle, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1968. These are reasons
for Eastenders to vote for Anthony and also a very good reason for Veterans to
vote for him.