Around Town

Find Out About the Candidates Running to Replace State Rep. Hecht

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Three candidates seek to become the new State Representative for the 29th Middlesex District, which includes much of Watertown and part of Cambridge. Watertown News reached out to the candidates and asked them some questions about their priorities, experience and themselves. Three Democrats are running to replace retiring State Rep. Jonathan Hecht. No Republican is on the ballot. The district includes Watertown Precincts 1-9, as well as, Cambridge Ward 9, Ward 10’s Precinct 3 and Ward 11’s Precinct 2.

Elections

State Rep. Candidate Q&A: Mark Sideris

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Mark Sideris

Biography

My name is Mark Sideris. I am married to Marybeth and have 3 childrenwho all attended and graduated Watertown public schools. I am a partner with my brother as owners of Three Sons Auto Body in Waltham. I have been on the Town Council for more than 24 years, the last 11 as Council President. I am also a member of the School Committee and the Chair of the School Building committee .

Elections

State Rep. Candidate Q&A: David Ciccarelli

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David Ciccarelli

Biography

I’m David Ciccarelli a third generation, lifelong resident of Watertown. As the son of State Representative Sal Ciccarelli it left the impression that public service can be rewarding, if the reason to get involved is a genuine desire to perform a duty. After graduating Tulane University, I began a life of travel, and the lessons and experiences that come with it as an overseas consultant. Traveling to over 50 countries, I consulted on US State Dept projects. Along the way I met my wife, Katya, and together we are raisingtwo boys in the Watertown Schools.

29th Middlesex

State Rep. Candidate Q&A: Steve Owens

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Steve Owens

Biography

A lifelong Democrat, I have lived in Watertown and Cambridge for nearly 20 years. My wife Pia and I now live in East Watertown with our two sons who attend Watertown public schools. For twelve years, I served as chair of the Watertown Democratic Town Committee, fighting for progressive causes and candidates at the local, state and federal levels. Professionally, I am a transportation consultant who uses data to help state departments oftransportation, railroads and trucking companies make infrastructure decisions. I have advocated for better public transportation as a member of the Watertown Transportation Task Force. 

Q & A

The State Legislature deals with so many issues, so what would be your top three issues if you are elected?

29th Middlesex

State Rep. Candidate Endorsed by Planned Parenthood, Act on Mass

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Democratic activist and Democratic State Committee member Steve Owens is running for the State Representative seat that Jon Hecht will be leaving. The following announcements were provided by Steve Owens for the State Representative campaign:

Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund (PPAF) of Massachusetts, the advocacyand political arm of Planned Parenthood league of Massachusetts, has endorsed Steve Owens as the next State Representative in Watertown and Cambridge. Formed in 1984, PPAF believes that working within the political process is critical to increasing access to sexual and reproductive health services. “In 2020, the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts is endorsing candidates who not only support reproductive rights andhealth – but also understand the importance of access to care,” PPAF stated in their endorsement. PPAF works to elect qualified state and local candidates who will pursue policies that put patients first and protect reproductive health care for everyone.

Elections

LETTER: Steve Owens Has Put in the Work

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I’m writing to urge my friends and neighbors to vote for longtime Democratic Town Committee chair Steve Owens for state rep this primary. Other letters have touted Steve’s progressive commitments and his impressive command of the issues facing our state. In this letter I want to focus instead on the work Steve has put into this race. Regardless of your policy views, I think we can all agree that we want a representative who will be energetic about using his powers of office to stand up for us and help our community and our town. Steve is the only candidate who has a campaign website where he has written about issues that are important to him and what he intends to do in office, a key piece of transparency that other candidates have chosen not to provide.

Elections

LETTER: Steve Owens Would Be a Transportation Minded State Rep

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Many Watertown voters have traffic, congestion and public transportation at the top of their list of concerns. Many of us rely heavily on MBTA service to get to work and other essential life functions. The majority of us are deeply concerned about the environment and climate change. If you want an advocate who will be committed to addressing these concerns in the State House, then Steve Owens is your best choice for State Representative. Steve is a transportation professional by trade and understands the complication of going from policy to complex nuts and bolts operations.

29th Middlesex

State Rep. Candidate Backed by Group of Town Councilors

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Democratic activist and Democratic State Committee member Steve Owens is running for the State Representative seat that Jon Hecht will be leaving. The following announcement was provided by the Steve Owens for State Representative campaign:

A coalition of current and former Town and City Councilors on both sides of the 29th Middlesex district have endorsed Steve Owens to be Cambridge and Watertown’s next State Representative. The current Town Councilors in Watertown that have endorsed Steve Owens includes Anthony Palomba, Caroline Bays, and Lisa Feltner. Past Town Councilors in Watertown include Susan Falkoff and Aaron Dushku. “I am supporting Steve and asking you to do the same on Tuesday, September 1 because he is a progressive activist and proven leader ready to take on the many challenges facing Massachusetts,” said current Watertown Town Councilor Anthony Palomba.