Democrats will have a contested race that includes a local candidate to vote on during the Sept. 3 State Primary, the District 3 Governor’s Councilor, or “Councilor” as it appears on the ballot.
Watertown resident and incumbent Marilyn Petitto Devaney is challenged by Concord’s Mara Dolan, who lived in Watertown for a time.
The same two candidates faced each other in 2022, and Petitto Devaney won after receiving nearly 51 percent of the votes.
Watertown News sent the candidates a set of questions to find out more about their campaigns and themselves. Read the Q&As below by clicking on the name (listed in order on the ballot).
The Massachusetts State Primary will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will also be seven days of early in-person voting at City Hall beginning Saturday, Aug. 24.
The last day to register to vote or to change party enrollment for that primary is Saturday, Aug. 24.
Please retire Marilyn Devaney from politics. She has been a divisive force across the board for decades.
Divisive is not always a bad thing. Many people in political positions go along to get along.
Having a person who does their homework, actually spends the time to meet with potential candidates for various positions, investigates backgrounds, etc. rather than rubber stamping them seems to be a candidate who cares and wants to make the best decision. Someone who works on the issues full time rather than part time can certainly gather more information. If someone doesn’t stand up for what they believe, why be in a important position like this one?
My motto is judge not, lest you be judged! .
I judge based on four decades of experience. That’s what we do when we vote. Ask her colleagues how they feel about her, both Democrats and Republicans, and you will be better informed.
What are your 4 decades of government experience besides obviously voting? Spell it out please.
Four decades of working with and observing the performance of the candidate. But my own personal experience in government at all levels over that period informs me as well. You can find my resume on LinkedIn.
Marilyn has always been outspoken…and that doesn’t sit well with many. However, it is also refreshing because she isn’t looking to “go along to get along”. She has never been the type that aims to please her colleagues. Instead, she serves her constituents, and that is why she is re-elected by her district. People can disagree with her style, however she has been right more often than not – including exposing corrupt practices within Watertown’s elected offices. I always found her to be responsive and caring, and willing to put herself out there when others are afraid to voice a differing opinion. It does not matter how her colleagues feel about her, the same way that Maura Healey praising Michael Morrissey’s collaborative efforts won’t excuse the federal indictments coming his way. Good luck, Marilyn!
With all due respect, being outspoken and being divisive are two very different things. You should speak with her colleagues, past and present, on the boards on which she has served. The majority support her opponent. You may also want to speak with the various judicial nominees she has dealt with over the years. The job is important, and the people who serve need to rise to that standard. She does not.
Well said, Joan. Many of those who find it easy to judge (and do so often in this forum) may not pass scrutiny themselves.