Around Town

LETTER: Reflection on Working Collaboratively in Watertown

By |

By Clyde Younger

Publicly notifying a Watertown’s Manager that I no longer have respect for him is unprecedented on my part. I believe the action requires an explanation since it represents an unusual sentiment; especially, from a former elected officer of Watertown. I know it appeared to some it came from left field; however, this transgression was not the first time on his part. 

Let me say bluntly, as a former elected official, I know the number of constructive and meaningful projects that I have participated in. Consequentially, I am not going to have someone come in the town and consider me irrelevant. Apparently, he has not taken time to know that I am not a Clarence Thomas. Further, I strongly believe any resident, voter or not, who has written a letter to those elected or appointed deserves, at minimum, an acknowledgement of receipt of a letter.

Government

Watertown’s State of the City Postponed, Will be Rescheduled

By |

The City of Watertown announced the postponement of the State of the City address. The Watertown State of the City Address, originally scheduled for September 4, 2024, broadcasted by WCA-TV, is being rescheduled after City Manager George Proakis has tested positive for COVID-19. A new date for the Address will be announced soon. We wish the City Manager a speedy recovery. For those who submitted questions to be answered live by the City Council President and City Manager, thank you for doing so and we will be keeping them for the State of City when it is rescheduled.

Government

Council President & City Manager to Present Annual State of the City Address in September

By |

Watertown’s annual State of the City address will take place on Sept. 4, 2024. The first one was held last August. The event is required to be held annually with the changes to the City Charter were approved by voters in 2021. The City of Watertown provided the following information:

The Watertown State of the City address will be broadcasted live from WCA-TV’s studio on September 4, 2024 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. City Council President Mark Sideris and City Manager George Proakis will deliver the State of the City together, before transitioning to Q+A and answering resident-submitted questions. 

Watch live online, or on Comcast 22 and RCN 13.

Government

City Manager Speaks About Climate Efforts During Governor’s Visit

By |

Photo by City of WatertownGov. Maura Healy spoke about the State’s ClimateTech Initiative at Via Separations, a clean tech startup in Watertown. The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Governor Maura Healey spoke in Watertown at the 64 Pleasant Street lab building on Thursday, May 2, 2024, to announce a 10-year, $1.3 billion investment proposal as part of the Mass Leads Act ClimateTech Initiative. The proposal is expected to generate $16.4 billion in economic activity in the Commonwealth and further Massachusetts’ position as a global leader in climate tech. City Manager George Proakis introduced the Governor, and he spoke about Watertown’s work in leading the way in climate mitigation and resilience in Massachusetts. The City Manager highlighted Watertown’s role in fostering climate innovation, speaking on the City’s aggressive Climate Action Plan and the early adoption of the Specialized Stretch Energy Code. 

The City Manager also spoke of the success of the life science industry and its fiscal impact on Watertown.

Government

NEW TIME: Councilor Feltner and City Manager Hosting Meet & Greet

By |

District B City Councilor Lisa Feltner. District B City Councilor Lisa Feltner will be joined by City Manager George Proakis for a Meet & Greet. The City sent out the following announcement:

Join City Councilor Lisa Feltner for a District B Meet and Greet with City Manager George Proakis on Monday, April 29, 2024 from 6:-7:30 p.m. at the Parker Annex, Suite 2E, 124 Watertown Street.

Around Town

First Annual State of the City Features Messages from Council President & City Manager

By |

Watertown’s first State of the City address will be held on Aug. 9 at the Watertown Library. The event is now required to be held annually after changes to the City Charter were approved by voters in 2021. Please join us at the First Annual “State of the City” address with Council President Mark Sideris and Manager George Proakis on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library in the Watertown Savings Bank Room, at 123 Main Street. The purpose of the “State of the City” is in our City Charter, SECTION 2-10 ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETINGS: “The council president, in conjunction with the city manager, shall prepare and deliver a yearly message to the residents describing the state of the city.

Around Town

Watertown City Manager Signs Pledge to Help Monarch Butterflies

By |

The City of Watertown provided the following information:

City Manager, George Proakis, signed the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge on March 30, 2023! 

The City pledges to do action items that focus on to support and expand monarch conservation city wide! 

The City already has been doing some action items in 2022 and for 2023, this will be expanded to do more such as communicating about monarch conservation, opportunities to do some community focused programs and demonstrations, and encourage changes in reducing pesticide use. Come join and be part of the larger conservation efforts for pollinator species! For any questions/comments, you can contact Katie Swan at kswan@watertown-ma.gov.

Around Town

Longtime Former Town Manager Michael Driscoll Passes Away

By |

The man who led Watertown’s municipal government for nearly three decades, former Town Manager Michael Driscoll, passed away on Saturday. Driscoll worked for the Town, and now City, of Watertown for 45 years, beginning as the manager of the John A. Ryan Arena in 1977, became treasurer collector in 1985 before becoming Town Manager in 1994. He grew up in Woburn and lived in Watertown with his wife, Jane. He has three daughters and one step daughter: Amy, Allison, Aileen, and Sarah. 

The City of Watertown sent out a statement that read, in part: “We are saddened to share the news that former Watertown City Manager Michael Driscoll passed away early on February 11, 2023 after receiving treatment for cancer over the past year. …