Town Council Winners Reflect on the Election, Look Ahead

Watertown Town Hall

The dust has settled after the Watertown Town Election, and the Town Council will have two new members, and two returning for another term. The victors reflected on the election and looked forward at their upcoming term.

Anthony Donato took the most votes on his first run for Town Council. He fared well across town.

“I was fortunate to have a lot of support spread throughout town and for that I am grateful,” Donato said.

Donato said he looks forward to joining the Town Council next year and he hopes to hit the ground running. He has a few items he wants to tackle first.

“I am excited to work with the Watertown Transportation Management Association to get the pilot shuttle program up and running,” Donato said. “I also look forward to working with the School Committee to ensure the success of the Building for the Future Initiative and the transformation of our elementary schools.”

Caroline Bays won a seat on the Council on her first run, and she said that one of the keys was knocking on doors all over town. She covered all but one precinct – 11.

“I talked to a lot of people,” Bays said.

By knocking on doors Bays said she was able to really hear about what concerns Watertown residents have and what issues are most important to them.

“I think it will make me a better Councilor,” Bays said.

Councilor Tony Palomba was reelected and finished third in the voting for Councilor At-Large. He thanked those who donated to his campaign and those who campaigned for him.

“I particularly want to thank the voters of Watertown who voted to re-elect me. I will continue to work hard to meet their expectations of what it means to be a responsive and responsible Town Councilor,” Palomba said.

Palomba said active community makes a good government and he hopes to hear concerns and ideas from residents because he believes that is often where the best ideas come from.

“The involvement of community groups in the creation of Town policy is equally important,” Palomba said. “These were the main messages of my campaign and I think they resonated with the voters.”

One issue Palomba wants to work on is making Watertown more affordable, both for low-income and middle-income residents.

Michael Dattoli will also be returning as a Councilor At-Large. He said he believes his approach to issues facing the Council resonated with voters.

“I would say that I was re-elected because voters recognize that I am thoughtful in my consideration when voting on town matters,” Dattoli said. “I am looking forward to continuing the work on our school buildings and open space improvements over the next term, as well as continuing to address transportation issues within the community.”

Dattoli thanked his supporters after the election for believing in his work as a Councilor At-Large and added that he will listen with open ears to both his supporters and those who did not vote for him.

“To those that did not vote or were not supportive of my message, I will continue to make myself available to you as one of your elected officials,” Dattoli said.