Elections

LETTER: Lifelong Resident Running for Town Councilor At-Large

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I’m James “Jimmy” Mello, a lifelong resident of Watertown and a candidate for Councilor at Large in the November 2nd election. The next Town Council will be responsible for selecting a new Town Manager; this will be the single most important decision that the council will make in about thirty years. My dad came to Watertown to work at the Arsenal, and when he got married, he wanted to raise his family here. I grew up in the West End of Watertown, but over the years, I’ve lived in every district, which gives me a unique perspective as a candidate for Councilor at Large. As a resident, I have experienced issues of concern in those districts, and I can bring that background to the table as a Councilor.

District B

LETTER: Open Letter from Council Candidate to Opponent About Concern Over Location of Campaign Event

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Dear Councilor Feltner,

I am writing this letter to express my concern around the location of the campaign event being hosted this afternoon (Oct. 1) on my street: Riverside St. The specific lawn currently, and for the past few years, has signage from the Trump administration, which over four years fostered an environment of hostility toward communities of color and the LGBTQIA+ community, not only in rhetoric, but in the systematic degradation of legal protections and civil rights through policy changes. I am very concerned that this event space may be unwelcoming and othering for residents who identify as Black/African American, Latinx/Hispanic, Brown, Asian American/Pacific Islander, People of Color and systemically silenced identities such as LGBTQIA+. While I don’t know the people hosting the event personally, I do want to ensure that potential voters can meet candidates in a non-intimidating space and that all visitors feel welcome on my block.

Election 2021

LETTER: Former Watertown School Committee Member Makes Endorsement

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Dear Watertown Voters, 

I served for three consecutive four year terms on the Watertown School Committee beginning in the late nineties.  

As a candidate, I made one promise to the citizens of Watertown that I would always ask myself one simple question, “Is my vote in the best interest of Watertown’s children?”

This year, there is a school committee candidate, Jennifer (Holt) Nicholson, who I am confident will be asking that same question. I have known Jennifer since she was born. She has grown into a woman who is passionate about education and fully invested in our community.  She has the drive, intelligence, commitment, and above all, the common sense needed to be an excellent School Committee member. 

Please join me in voting for Jennifer Nicholson for Watertown School Committee. Thank You,Steve Messina

Around Town

LETTER: Resident Endorses Candidate for District A Town Councilor

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Dear Editor,

At age 76 years old, this is the first time I have ever written a letter to a newspaper editor. I’m writing today to urge my East End neighbors to vote on November 2 for District A Town Council candidate Nicole Gardner. At a time when local and national political engagement has never been so important, Nicole brings 35 years of corporate leadership experience to our town and neighborhood. I know that she’ll work hard to address issues that matter to me, like affordability, housing and business development, expanding green spaces, and sustainability. To learn more about Nicole’s accomplishments and commitments, I recommend visiting her website, nicoleforwatertown.com.

District D

LETTER: Former Westside Councilor Endorses Candidate Running for His Old Seat

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I write today to enthusiastically endorse Emily Izzo to be the next District D Town Councilor! Emily is a lifelong resident who attended Watertown public schools. I have known her for decades and cannot think of someone better suited to be a Town Councilor and represent the west end. Not only is Emily uniquely qualified to serve (she is a municipal finance law attorney), her motivation to serve is as humble as it is pragmatic. She grew up here, loves this Town and wants to use her talents in this very field to continue making it the great place it is today.

Election 2021

LETTER: Former Councilor Makes Endorsement for School Committee

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It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I write today to endorse Jennifer (Holt) Nicholson for Watertown School Committee. I have known Jennifer and the Holt family for decades and her character and credentials are almost too good to be true. A potential school committee member who attended and graduated from the school system, currently has kids in that system, is actively involved in leadership roles in the PTO and is a teacher! This level of personal insight into the Watertown school system, combined with a background and training in education, sets Jennifer apart as being exceptionally able to implement positive change and ensure the best possible outcomes for our children. More than even her qualifications, Jennifer’s vision for our schools is one I believe in and share for our students.

Councilor At-Large

LETTER: Watertown Native Seeks to Continue Serve Her Community as Town Councilor

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Megan O’Halloran

My name is Megan O’Halloran and I am excited to announce that I am running for Councilor-at-Large in the upcoming election on November 2, 2021. I ask for your consideration and support. I have lived in Watertown my entire life and I understand what a special community Watertown is. I am fortunate enough to be raising my children in the same house that my grandparents lived in when they arrived in Watertown in the early ’60s. My husband Brian Hazelwood has lived here for almost 20 years, and we have two girls: Charlotte (11) and Catherine (7).

Environment

LETTER: Three Pests Threaten Watertown Trees

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Cornell ExtensionPhoto of a Pear Leaf with Rust. By James Briand of Trees for Watertown

Watertown’s trees face three distinct invasive pest challenges this year. One, Pear Trellis Rust, is a fungus that has been significantly disfiguring the town’s ornamental pear trees. Another, Emerald Ash Borer, is a small beetle that causes the rapid death of ash trees. The third, Spotted Lantern Fly, is an emerging survival threat to a variety of trees, especially fruit trees.