Government

Watertown Tax Relief Legislation Signed by Governor, Preventing 18% Jump in Property Taxes

By |

Massachusetts State House (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown residential property owners could have faced increases of around 18%, but special legislation approved recently on Beacon Hill will prevent that. See the announcement provided by the City of Watertown, below. Gov. 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. This comes after months of hard work by Sen. Will Brownsberger, and Reps. John Lawn and Steve Owens working with their colleagues on Beacon Hill, as well as the advocacy by the City Council President Mark Sideris and City Manager George Proakis at the State House to get this bill passed.

Elections

Three Watertown City Councilors Endorse State Senate Candidate

By |

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

Three Watertown city councilors have rescinded their endorsements of Will Brownsberger and are now endorsing Daniel Lander and his campaign for state senate. As Daniel continues to build strong support in Watertown, Councilors John Gannon, Theo Offei, and Tony Palomba, have endorsed Daniel because of his focus on building a State Senate that fights for working people. The three councilors endorsed Senator Brownsberger early in the race. But with election day just a month away, they’ve endorsed Daniel Lander because they believe in his vision for a State Senate that fights for affordable housing, supports working families, and that will partner with local leaders to move our communities forward.

Elections

Learn About the Candidates in a Pair of Upcoming Live Events

By |

Watertown groups will host candidate nights for two races on the Sept. 1 State Primary ballot on Aug. 4 and 5. On Tuesday, the candidates for 10th Middlesex State Representative will appear on a live broadcast debate. The following night, the candidates for the 5th Congressional District have been invited to an online candidate forum.

Elections

Northeast UAW Endorses State Senate Candidate

By |

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

Daniel Lander announced today that his campaign has been endorsed by UAW Region 9A, a union representing thousands of workers across the northeast and right here in this district. The endorsement emphasizes Daniel’s commitment to supporting working people who are strugglingunder the leadership of a state senator that does not stand up for worker’s rights. UAW represents workers across greater Boston, including graduate student workers at Harvard who went on strike this spring after Harvard failed to offer a fair contract. Daniel Lander was proud to join the picket line to support workers fighting for fair benefits, protections from harassment, and a livable wage.

Elections

Former Boston Mayor Backs State Senate Candidate

By |

Will Brownsberger

The following announcement was provided by the Brownsberger Committee:

Former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced today that he is endorsing State Senator Will Brownsberger in his campaign for reelection to the Massachusetts Senate. Walsh formally announced the endorsement at a press conference on Monday, July 27, at the State House steps. 

“Will just puts his head down and gets things done,” Walsh said. “I have worked with a lot of legislators over the years, and Will is the kind of partner you want in office. He does not chase attention. He shows up, does the work, and delivers results for the people he represents.

Elections

State Rep. Candidate Debate to be Hosted by Watertown News, Watertown Cable

By |

In the first of two debates for races in the Sept. 1, 2026 State Primary, the candidates for 10th Middlesex State Representative will appear in a live televised debate on Watertown Cable Access Television. The debate is co-sponsored by Watertown News. State Rep. John Lawn and challenger Alison Leary, who is a Newton City Councilor, will be in the Watertown Cable studio for the debate on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026 at 7 p.m. The moderator will be Watertown Cable Anchor Jim Vershbow.

Government

Rescheduled Tree Hearing to be Held for Proposed Removal of 4 Trees

By |

The tree hearing about four trees on public property on Channing Road, Elmwood Avenue, Fairview Avenue, was originally scheduled for July 23, but was rescheduled for Aug. 4. See the announcement provided by the Watertown Tree Warden, below. Public Shade Trees are protected by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87. The removal of a healthy public tree requires an advertised public hearing.