LETTER: Thank You to Marilyn Petitto Devaney for Her Service

Dear Editor:

I am writing to join those in thanking Marilyn Petitto Devaney, for her Fifty years plus of service as Town Meeting Member, Original Charter Commission Member, Watertown Town Council Member, Governor’s Councilor and Member of the Commission on Disabilities, to Watertown and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

I knew Marilyn loved her community. We often observed her going to just about every Wake in town. This was because growing up here she knew everyone. That is where the name Townie came from. People were either related to each other or had strong relationships with Neighbors.  I learned to watch how I say something. One may say I am talking about Uncle, Aunt and or Cousin.

We are taught to be sensitive to the feelings of all people.

I met Marilyn in the 1970’s when she was a Town Meeting Member. Town Meeting was the launching pad for several of the members of the First or Original Charter Review. Marilyn was a Member of the Charter Review. While she did not agree with all of the provisions of the Charter Recommendations that came forth from the Commissioners, she did not vote against the Recommendations, but wrote a concurring report spelling out that she cannot fully endorse the Charter.  

I not only served with Marilyn as a Town Meeting Member; but also, the Watertown Town Council. Marilyn has a certain style and while we had disagreements, she was always cordial to Mary and Mike and never carried any animus toward them.   

We had Prime Time Council Meetings. People would be at their TV every two weeks to see what is going to happen next. Given our must-see Council Meetings, we had attendees who wanted to have their moment of celebrity by being seen on the screen.

We didn’t mind getting out as late as 10:30 p.m. or later. We were cognizant of the fact that town leaders before us did not receive any compensation whatsoever. There was  self-pride and joy of serving their community in an important position.

While there was an appearance of dysfunction, Council was very effective in carrying out the legislative affairs of the Town.

Of the hundreds of matters brought before the Council I wish to summarize a few matters of great importance.

Army Materials and Research Center (Watertown Arsenal). May 18, 2001, Harvard purchased the 30-acre Watertown Arsenal through a Front, O’Neill Properties, a Philadelphia -based  Developer for $185 million. Before becoming knowledgeable about Harvard’s involvement, Marilyn was steadfast in speaking up stating the Offer was not sufficient and made reference to smaller lots selling for more per acre.

Marilyn was correct.

Because Harvard’s non-profit status made the University tax exempt, our fear was Watertown could potentially lose $2 to $3million in annual property taxes. We mounted action on several levels, hired an effective lawyer, Manager Mike Driscoll, along with the Vice President and later, the President went to Senator Kennedy’s Office to elicit his help.

Along with this strategic approach the community gathered together to picket on the site. Mr. Ron Dean, President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Watertown Savings Bank allowed his employees, many of them Watertown residents to picket alongside Watertown Leaders and Other Residents.

Due to the pressure from numerous sides, including the media and the initiation of state legislation to limit non-profits tax exemption. Watertown obtained a unique agreement that served to be beneficial  other communities with Private, Non-Profit Colleges or Universities.  Harvard agreed to compensation along with a payment in lieu of tax agreement (PILOT) for ten years.

Marilyn supported the establishment of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Sub-Committee. Town Meeting used a Finance Committee. Russell Morgan recommended the adoption of an identical Committee for the Council. It was unanimously passed. The Committee was also helpful in working with the Council to ensure that a balanced budget was obtained.

Marilyn, previously a Teacher at St. Patricks’ protected the needs of our School Children. Manager Mike Driscoll was a fiscal conservative and often would not provide Watertown’s Schools sufficient funds for ongoing operations.

At a Special Town Council Charter Review, Attorney Ann Marie Hyland of Kopelman and Paige pointed out within MGL a provision exists that the Council can raise the School Budget beyond that recommended amount of the Manager as long as it confines to Proposition 2 and ½.   

Since that time, we have not seen extraordinary conflicts between Parents, Educators and the Administration as we witnessed during the period that parents picketed under the slogan Save Our Schools (SOS).

When we voted to approve the renovations of the Main Watertown Free Public Library, Marilyn was adamant that we keep the East and North Libraries functioning. She was correct and the two buildings remain vacant today in very poor condition.

The Council passed legislation regarding the Pleasant Street Corridor development. Many thought the legislation only pertained to the intersection of Bridge and Pleasant Street. Marilyn was the only Councilor who voted against the measure. Apparently, she saw the loophole. We are now hearing a rumor about a Main Street Corridor.

Where are you, Marilyn?    

Clyde Younger
Watertown Resident