Development

Council Hears from Public About Potential Watertown Square Garage

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The larger of the two garage options presented by the City of Watertown at the May 20 open house. The City Council got a mix of opinions about the possibility of building a multi-story parking garage in the Municipal Parking Lot in Watertown Square on Monday night. The meeting was the first time that the Council got the opportunity to discuss the proposal that City Manage George Proakis presented in April, which also showed a potential multifamily residential building, and a green space on what is now the parking lot behind CVS. Most of the Council did not weigh in at the April 10 meeting, and no vote was taken during the meeting held the Watertown Free Public Library. City Council President Mark Sideris said the central question of whether the City should build a garage would be the only topic of the evening.

Elections

LETTER: Why Progressives Should Vote for Brownsberger in Sept. 1st State Primary

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As a former board President of Progressive Massachusetts and one of PMs first members, I have fought for Progressive legislation for many years and I understand how legislation gets passed. 

So when Will Brownsberger and Dan Lander both called me and asked for my endorsement (as a Watertown City Councilor), despite the fact that Lander and I are more aligned ideologically, I knew the decision was clear — Brownsberger was my choice. 

And if you are a progressive who wants to see progressive legislation actually passed at the state level, Brownsberger should be your choice too. 

After many years of watching how the statehouse works, I have come to understand it is all about power and relationships. 

Over the years, Brownsberger has demonstrated his competence, knowledge, and commitment to his fellow Senators, which is why he now holds the Senate’s second highest position as President Pro Tempore. 

The respect and friendship doesn’t just benefit him personally. It is why he is so effective at rallying the support he needs to pass bills. And I am talking about bills that Progressives support, such as the Affordable Homes Act of 2024, the 2018 Criminal Justice Act, and the Gun Reform Act of 2024 

I have always appreciated how honest my Senator is with me and we have argued, debated, and clashed over issues. But we have agreed with each other on the vast majority of issues, such as criminal justice reform, housing, climate issues, LGBTQ+ issues, and many more. 

It would be shortsighted to throw my support to a challenger who would enter the statehouse as a novice starting from the ground floor. I want a senator who I know will fight — and win — many of the battles I support at the statehouse. 

And as for those issues we might argue about, I know I might be able to change his mind. I know he will listen and investigate issues we don’t agree on. 

You know the section of the 2018 Criminal Justice Reform Act on solitary confinement?

Elections

AFL-CIO Endorses State Senate Candidate

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Daniel Lander. The following announcement was provided by Daniel Lander for State Senate:

The AFL-CIO of Massachusetts has endorsed Daniel Lander’s campaign, marking the first time in years that the organization has endorsed against an incumbent in a democratic primary. The endorsement spotlights Daniel’s commitment to the labor movement, but also highlights Senator Brownsberger’s opposition to supporting unions in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts AFL-CIO represents over 800 local unions representing nearly half a million union members across the state. It comes at a critical time in this race, days from the start of early voting, and makes clear that voters are ready to move past the failed Beacon Hill status quo.

Elections

Gov. Healey Endorses Candidate for 10th Middlesex State Rep.

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The following announcement was provided by the John Lawn Campaign:

Representative John Lawn announced that he has received the endorsement of Governor Maura Healey in the 10th Middlesex race for state representative. “I’m honored to have Governor Healey’s support. Together, we’ve fought to protect access to affordable health care and stand up for working families here in Watertown and across the Commonwealth. I look forward to continuing that work for another term,” Lawn said. “John is a thoughtful, proven leader who gets things done for working families.

Elections

LETTER: Resident Endorses Brownsberger for State Senate

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In the upcoming State Senate primary I will be voting for Will Brownsberger. There are three important reasons why. First, we need a Senator who will put the needs of Watertown and Belmont front and center in their consciousness, rather than focus on Boston. Watertown is a textbook example of a streetcar suburb. Indeed, the Watertown that we now know was brought about in the early 20th century by the electrification of the streetcars which ran along our main thoroughfares.

Elections

LETTER: Former City Councilor Endorses State Senate Candidate

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Greetings East Enders and Neighbors Beyond:

CONSIDER A VOTE FOR WILLIAM “WILL” BROWNSBERGER CANDIDATE FOR REELECTION SUFFOLK AND MIDDLESEX STATE SENATE, PRIMARY ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

Are you aware that Will was raised in Watertown? Will is a Team Builder who will not forget his roots in Watertown. Will and his colleagues will get the job done for Watertown. 

“Watertown, MA – August 5, 2026 – Governor Maura Healey signed into law H.5569, the property tax classification bill that will protect Watertown residential taxpayers from an estimated 18% increase in future tax bills.” “I was proud to work with the City of Watertown and my colleagues in the House to bring this compelling and important legislation through the Senate,” said Senator William Brownsberger.” Sen. Brownsberger brought to light the 10 year underfunding in Chapter 70 Education Aid that Watertown was not receiving. The formula fix raised Watertown’s aid share from 13% to 17.5% by FY 2019, now at 19%

Sen. Brownsberger’s close collaboration with Mass. DCR, MassDOT, MBTA and numerous other state agencies, will continue Watertown’s quest for City enhancements

Please join me in voting for Will Brownsberger on Tuesday, September 1st. Will has a steadfast commitment to our Watertown community and its residents.