Elections

Hear from the Candidates in Watertown’s Election at Upcoming Forums

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As the Nov. 4 Watertown Municipal Election approaches, Watertown News and Watertown Cable Access TV will host a series of candidate forums for the local races, including the City Council and School Committee. The forums will be broadcast live, and two will be held in person, and all will be broadcast on WCA-TV’s Public Channel (Comcast Ch. 9, RCN Ch. 3, and online at http://vodwcatv.org/internetchannel/watch-now?site=1)

The first forum, held Sept.

Entertainment

Watertown Author’s Book Honored in Mass. Book Awards

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Watertown author Robin Bernstein’s book was honored in the 25th Annual Massachusetts Book Awards. (Contributed Photo)

Watertown author and cultural historian Robin Bernstein’s book “Freeman’s Challenge: The Murder That Shook America’s Original Prison for Profit,” was honored during the Massachusetts Book Awards. The 25th Annual Massachusetts Book Awards were announced in September, and Bernstein’s book was one of two to receive honors in the Nonfiction category. Bernstein is a cultural historian who specializes in U.S. racial formation since the 19th Century, and has published four books. “Freeman’s Challenge” tells a gripping, morally complicated story of murder, greed, race, and the true origins of prison for profit.

Government

City Manager’s Reflection One-Week After the End of the Trash Strike

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Full trash bins during the recently-ended trash strike. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown City Manager George Proakis sent out the following piece on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. As we end the first week of fall and reflect upon the summer that saw our regular trash and recycling services disrupted by the labor strike between Republic Services and their unionized workforce, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the community for their continued understanding and the members of City staff for their hard work. Back when the strike began on July 1, 2025, and it became clear that Republic Services were not able to deliver services to our community, regardless of their prior assurances, our DPW Director Tom Brady, the Recycling Program Manager Matt Bacon, and our Communications Team began working together hour-by-hour to ensure effective messaging out to the community, and dedicating themselves to finding a creative solution to the problem facing Watertown.

Around Town

Watertown Hires New Veterans Services Officer, Who Will Also Serve as the ADA Coordinator

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Watertown hired a new Veterans Services Officer, who is a Navy and Army National Guard veteran with experience in frontline medical care, and most recently worked in the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services. See the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. The City of Watertown is excited to introduce Jerome (Jay) Terminiello as the City’s Veterans Services Officer (VSO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator. Jay joins the City having served 6 years with the Navy, and 3 years with the Army National Guard. During his time with the Navy, Jay delivered frontline medical care to Marines and Sailors, as well as facilitated access to physical and mental health resources to those serving.

Elections

Voting Locations Changing for Many Watertown Residents in 2025

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Several polling places in Watertown will be moving to a new location for the 2025 Watertown Election. City Councilors had concerns about how voters will know where to go to vote. Voters in precincts 2, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12 will be casting their ballots at a new location during the Nov. 4, 2025 election. See the chart below for addresses.

Government

Council Gives City Manager High Marks in Review, Also Some Suggestions

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Watertown City Manager George Proakis. City Manager George Proakis received a high rating from the City Council in his annual review for Fiscal Year 2025, though members of the Council had some constructive criticism, too. The results of the annual review were presented during the Sept. 9 City Council meeting. Each councilor rated Proakis on a scale of 1 to 5, with five being highest, said City Council President Mark Sideris.

Around Town

Trash Strike Has Ended, City Closing Temporary Drop Off Site

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A Watertown trash bin. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The strike by union employees working at Republic Services has ended as the two sides announced an agreement on Friday. The strike began on July 1, and lasted more than 11 weeks. A five-year deal was signed by the two sides, according to a joint announcement. Republic Services and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 25 have reached a five-year collective bargaining agreement.