Elections

LETTER: On Representation

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Dear Watertown Residents, 

With this year’s election we’re fortunate to choose from a group of candidates who bring to the table relevant experience, compassion, and a genuine interest in our community’s well-being. Not every city can make this claim. Over the last several weeks voters and candidates discussed topics including Watertown Square redevelopment, the middle school building, elementary school aftercare, school cell phone policies, library funding, and others. A topic with much less air time, but of great interest to many in the City, is diversifying our boards and commissions – elected and otherwise – and making them representative. 

When you ask people what they love about Watertown, they’ll often say its diversity and close-knit feel. 

We have diversity. These are the facts: nearly one third of Watertown residents – and close to half of all Watertown Public Schools (WPS) students – are racially and ethnically diverse, not to mention people from culturally diverse communities identifying as White (e.g., Armenian).

Elections

LETTER: Candidates Violating Election Rules, Posting Signs on City Property

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By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

Because There are No Kings…

I’d like to comment on the way people conduct themselves when running for office. Hundreds of Watertown residents were in the Delta a few weekends ago, proclaiming that there should be no kings in the United States, that rules are for everyone! I believe that it’s important to take that into consideration when making our very important choices. Here’s an example:

I had heard rumblings of candidates for City Council, School Committee and Library Trustee skirting the election rules that are clearly spelled out in the election information available to them when they sign up. I contacted Noelle Gilligan, our City Clerk and Chief Election Officer, to ask about any rules that apply to those who submit papers to run for a city office.

Letters

LETTER: Resident Opposed to Resumption of Nuclear Testing

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Dear Editor,

Tariffs vs. Resumption of nuclear testing: A Wake-Up Call

Thus far, there has been no formal request for clarification from Donald Trump’s administration by Senators Ed Markey or Elizabeth Warren, nor by Representatives Jim McGovern, Katherine Clark, Ayanna Pressley or Seth Moulton regarding the president’s nuclear testing directive. That silence is deafening. We need our lawmakers — not just from Massachusetts, but across the aisle and across the country — to right the ship in Washington. Tariffs are reversible.

Elections

LETTER: Statement from City Councilor At-Large Candidate

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My name is John Gannon, and for three terms, I’ve had the honor of representing Watertown as your city councilor at-large. I’m now running for re-election this coming Tuesday, November 4. I was inspired to a career in public service by my family, teachers, coaches and members of this welcoming community. I grew up in Watertown and developed my own life here. My father, a partially-disabled WWII veteran, worked at the Watertown post office, delivering mail to our neighbors, and my mother, a first-generation American, worked as a secretary.

Elections

LETTER: Trick or Treat from the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA)?

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Yesterday I received a second postcard from the MTA. They appear to have a lot of money to burn on their candidate endorsements. For those who are unfamiliar with the MTA’s agenda, please review the 2025 Watertown Educators Association Candidate Questionnaire and the support materials at:https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/e/1FAIpQLSf30p8erVdxVlgShgKeq2ljGBj8GVqvHyCm4lvmMY6Q78J5tQ/viewform?usp=preview&urp=gmail_link&pli=1

I am curious – How many MTA members work in our schools, and how many of them live in Watertown? Could someone from the MTA or WEA provide an answer to this question? IMO, there is an information gap regarding the support for our public schools in Watertown.

Elections

LETTER: Why I Think You Should Vote for My MOM!   

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Dear Watertown!  

As the youngest of four kids , I’ve spent my whole life watching my mom, Amy Donohue, give her time and energy to the Watertown Public Schools. Education has always been number one in our house, whether it was volunteering on the PTO, helping with the Watertown Education Foundation events, or donating to every youth group and sports team you can think of. When I was younger, I used to roll my eyes because she seemed to know everyone. Every teacher, every coach, every parent.

Elections

LETTER: Former Councilor Endorses City Council Candidate

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Greetings East Enders, and Neighbors Beyond,

CONSIDER A VOTE FOR TOM TRACY CANDIDATE FOR WATERTOWN CITY COUNCILOR AT-LARGE. ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH. Tom Tracy is a lifelong Watertown resident. Tom understands the nuances of Watertown’s diverse neighborhoods. Tom Tracy exemplifies what it means to give of oneself for the community where you raise your family, work and enjoy quality of life. Tom Tracy will speak for the people; because through his community interactions, Tom understands the challenges faced by the people who he will represent

Tom Tracy understands the worth of Watertown’s AAA Bond Rating – for 29 years, Tom served as Watertown’s Town/City Auditor – Tom played an integral Team role in formulating stable budgets that culminated in the acme of municipal finance

Tom Tracy personifies “Building for the Future” – Tom has held a leadership role on the School Building Committee since 2018

Please join me in voting for Tom Tracy on Tuesday, November 4th to continue our vision for Watertown’s neighborhood cohesiveness and financial wellbeing. In my opinion: Tom Tracy has earned our respect, votes and support!!! Thank you.

Elections

LETTER: Resident Concerned About Outside Political Groups Influencing Watertown’s Election

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Dear Editor,

I received in the mail today a card from Massachusetts Teachers Association Independent Expenditure PAC supporting a slate of Five Watertown Candidates vying for our two highest elected offices; the City Council and School Committee. A Super PAC being involved in a small, local community such ours should be a major concern. It is uncertain where this leads us in terms of the sphere of influence – local or state? The concern is who will have their ear. A common complaint is that the city is turning a deaf ear to local concerns. Whether this perception is real or not does not matter since perception is difficult to overcome. However, put any of the candidates in a favorable light.