Elections

State Rep. Candidate Q&A: Alison Leary

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Alison Leary

Biography

I am a Newton native, a Simmons University graduate and the mother of two teenagers. My husband and I live in the home where he grew up in Nonantum. I am a program manager for a human services agency that provides services for adults with intellectual disabilities. Prior to that I was the Associate Director for the Community Preservation Coalition and lobbied for more state funding for the Community Preservation Act. I am a four-term member of the Newton City Council, the Chair of Public Facilities and a member of the Zoning and Planning Committee working on zoning reform.

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?

Early Voting

Find Out About Early Voting, Mail In Ballot Drop Offs & Who’s Running

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The 2020 Election is nearly here, with voters in Watertown and Massachusetts going to the polls twice in two months. Many voters are taking advantage of the mail-in ballots, and early voting starts soon. The Town Clerk’s office has already received hundreds of mail in ballots, which are available due to the COVID-19 outbreak, said Watertown Town Clerk John Flynn. State officials send the requests for mail-in ballots to the Town Clerk’s office, and staff sends out the ballots. “We have mailed out over 7,000 ballots,” Flynn said. “This is the first challenge to an incumbent U.S. Senator for years.

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

Council Moves Polling Place from Senior Housing to Middle School

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After hearing from many people worried about having voters coming into a senior apartment building during the 2020 elections, the Town Council voted to move the polling location to Watertown Middle School. A temporary location for Precincts 11 and 12 is needed because the normal voting location, Cunniff Elementary School, is under construction. School construction at Hosmer Elementary School also impacted Precinct 2, which will move to the Hellenic Cultural Center. The locations will be used for the Sept. 1 State Primary and the Nov.