Elections

LETTER: Former Councilor Endorses City Council Candidate

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Greetings East Enders, and Neighbors Beyond,

CONSIDER A VOTE FOR TOM TRACY CANDIDATE FOR WATERTOWN CITY COUNCILOR AT-LARGE. ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH. Tom Tracy is a lifelong Watertown resident. Tom understands the nuances of Watertown’s diverse neighborhoods. Tom Tracy exemplifies what it means to give of oneself for the community where you raise your family, work and enjoy quality of life. Tom Tracy will speak for the people; because through his community interactions, Tom understands the challenges faced by the people who he will represent

Tom Tracy understands the worth of Watertown’s AAA Bond Rating – for 29 years, Tom served as Watertown’s Town/City Auditor – Tom played an integral Team role in formulating stable budgets that culminated in the acme of municipal finance

Tom Tracy personifies “Building for the Future” – Tom has held a leadership role on the School Building Committee since 2018

Please join me in voting for Tom Tracy on Tuesday, November 4th to continue our vision for Watertown’s neighborhood cohesiveness and financial wellbeing. In my opinion: Tom Tracy has earned our respect, votes and support!!! Thank you.

Elections

LETTER: Resident Concerned About Outside Political Groups Influencing Watertown’s Election

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Dear Editor,

I received in the mail today a card from Massachusetts Teachers Association Independent Expenditure PAC supporting a slate of Five Watertown Candidates vying for our two highest elected offices; the City Council and School Committee. A Super PAC being involved in a small, local community such ours should be a major concern. It is uncertain where this leads us in terms of the sphere of influence – local or state? The concern is who will have their ear. A common complaint is that the city is turning a deaf ear to local concerns. Whether this perception is real or not does not matter since perception is difficult to overcome. However, put any of the candidates in a favorable light.

Elections

LETTER: Resident Endorses Three Running for Watertown School Committee

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Dear Editor,

Now that the School Committee forums are over, I want to formally endorse. First, an endorsement for two familiar faces and then a new one. Current Member Jessica Middlebrook has a track record of collaborative leadership, focusing on student well-being and equitable access to resources, and actively supporting the expansion of pre-K. These have been informed by her background as a school mental health counselor. Her most recent achievement includes a successful and non-acrimonious labor negotiation.

Elections

LETTER: Library Trustee Candidate Introduces Herself

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Dear Editor, and Watertown neighbors,

I’m writing to introduce myself, Pia Owens, and ask for one of your three votes for Library Trustee in our upcoming election on Nov. 4th. As trustee, I will aim to keep our library vibrant, inclusive, and committed to intellectual freedom. I’ve lived in Watertown for 20+ years with my husband Steve and our two kids who attended Watertown Public Schools. I used to visit the East Branch library, and now we have a brick with our names on it in front of the library in Watertown Square.

Elections

LETTER: Candidate Discusses Why He is Running for School Committee

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Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Fellow Watertown Residents,

With less than 3 weeks left until Election Day (although you can choose to cast your vote before Nov. 4th), I would like to take this opportunity to reintroduce myself, David Stokes, Candidate for School Committee. Perhaps you have already conversed with me, seen one of my yard signs, read my literature, visited my website, or watched my video. Please read on to find out more about my relevant experience, my longtime dedication, and my broad community focus – which together position me as a strong candidate for School Committee! You might recall that I had the distinct honor of serving on the School Committee 2020-23, through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Letters

LETTER: Thanks to All Who Made the Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration a Success

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In these days of discord and conflict, I want to acknowledge and appreciate the many people in Watertown who are working to create and support a welcoming community for all. On Sunday, Oct. 12th, we celebrated Watertown’s fourth celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day and over 200 people, young and old, of various races and ethnicities, joined together to celebrate Indigenous people and culture at the Hosmer Elementary School. The mood was joyous and happy; many participants expressed their enjoyment and appreciation for learning more about Indigenous people. Together, in community, we were able to celebrate and support the original peoples of these lands. I want to thank our planning committee members: Jacqui Gross, Kim Kublius, Nat Harrison, Stephanie Stonefish Ryan and Maria Hendricks for putting in the time and thought to plan, organize and implement this event. I want to thank our funders: Watertown Community Foundation, Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment, World in Watertown, Watertown Savings Bank, Watertown’s Human Rights Commission and Stone and Skillet.

Elections

LETTER: Former Council President Endorses Candidate for Councilor At-Large

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Dear Editor,

Last Wednesday, Oct. 8, Theo Offei, was the Guest on the Eye on Watertown Podcast. I was very impressed with his platform that emphasizing and incorporating important issues that involve all constituents of Watertown rather than a few. As an original member of the Charter Commission that established the current management style; Manager – Council under which we are operating, we set up Districts and At-Large Positions. The Purpose of the Districts were to allow lesser- known Candidates to have a smaller field in order to get known; elected and later vie for an At-Large Position; thus, having new faces. Theo could have taken this District Road to being a member of the Council.

Elections

LETTER: City Councilor At-Large Candidate Endorsed by Watertown Resident

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Dear Editor,

I write to formally endorse Theo Offei for Councilor At-Large. As a lifelong resident who graduated from the high school in the 90s, I have seen Watertown dramatically change and continue to do so. The Watertown of 2025 requires leaders who reflect our community’s diversity, energy, and forward-thinking. 

Anchored in understanding the power of community and importance of belonging and representation Theo brings a fresh, inclusive, and visionary approach to city governance. A father in his 30s, Theo was born in Ghana, raised in Italy and became a U.S. Citizen in 2020, making him the embodiment of change. With experience in the tech sector, venture capital, real estate development and construction management, Theo’s professional background gave him a strong grasp of budgeting and finance, housing policy, and infrastructure planning. As Vice Chair of the Resident Advisory Committee he has helped staff 24 boards and commissions, which has shaped the city in many ways. The role has provided insight into city operations and residents’ challenges.