Election 2021

LETTER: School Committee Candidate Has the Right Experience to Serve Children, Families

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Rachel Kay is a data scientist, a Lowell School mom, and a determined advocate for the students and families of Watertown. She is now running for Watertown School Committee and, if elected, her unique voice will be an excellent addition to school leadership in our community. “Data” has become a trendy thing to talk about, and for good reason because it can be extremely valuable to a well-functioning organization. But, it can be misused or used in an ineffective manner. That is where Rachel’s background will be such a huge asset to our school system.

Around Town

See What the Candidates for District Town Councilors Had to Say on a Range of Issues Facing Watertown

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Thursday night, the six candidates running in contested races for District Councilor answered a variety of questions during the Candidate Forum co-hosted by Watertown News and Watertown Cable Access TV. On Nov. 2, voters will vote for their local councilor in District A (East Watertown), District B (East of Watertown Square and South of the Charles River) and District D (West Watertown). District C has only one candidate. The six hopefuls shared their views on the top issue for their district, what qualities they want in the new Town Manager, increasing street trees and funding of the Watertown Police Department.

Elections

LETTER: District B Resident Endorses Candidate for Town Council

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Dear fellow District B residents,

I’d like to give a shout for re-electing Lisa Feltner, current District B Councilor. While I am happy to see new people running for a number of open and filled slots (the interest this year is really encouraging!), I have to throw my support behind Lisa. She has been a consistent voice for District B and always responsive to her constituents. She has also stuck her neck out on some tight votes over the past few years and I have greatly appreciated that. I think Lisa is someone who thinks hard about issues and will stand up for what she thinks is best for Watertown.

Elections

LETTER: Greater Boston Labor Council Endorses Town Council Candidate

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The following letter was provided by the Greater Boston Labor Council:

The Greater Boston Labor Council – the umbrella labor union organization for the Boston area – has officially endorsed Mike Hanlon for Town Council, District A, citing his ongoing commitment to union members and to creating an equitable economy. The Greater Boston Labor Council represents more than 100,000 union members in the region, including many in Watertown. “The GBLC engaged in a rigorous process to consider endorsements and we are very proud to stand with Mike Hanlon in this race,” said Darlene Lombos, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Greater Boston Labor Council (GBLC). “Mike Hanlon has been a champion for workers’ rights and shares our vision for an economy that works for all of us. Watertown needs leaders that not only understand what working families are up against, but are ready to tackle big challenges and reimagine our city to build back better for a truly equitable economy.” 

Lombos continued, “We believe that these leaders will tackle the urgent challenges of our time head on, from quality jobs, equitable development, affordable housing, pay equity, affordable and accessible child care and the escalating climate crisis.

Elections

LETTER: Watertown 350 Mass Action Endorses Candidates for Town Council, School Committee

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Watertown’s chapter of 350 Mass Action, a local climate advocacy group, has endorsed the following slate of candidates for the November election:

Town Council:

District A: Nicole Gardner

District B: Lisa Feltner

District C: Vincent Piccirilli

District D: Connie Henry

At Large:  Anthony Palomba, Caroline Bays, John Gannon and Daniel D’Amico 

School Committee:  Lily Rayman-Read, Jessica Middlebrook, Rachel Kay

350 Mass Action is a statewide organization whose mission is to endorse and support candidates for local, state and national offices who are committed to support and enact policies and legislation to resolve our climate crisis. Candidates responded to a questionnaire  which addressed the need to eliminate greenhouse gases in housing, transportation and the electric grid while protecting families and populations most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. 

People interested in learning more about 350 Mass Action are encouraged to contact Rick Kalish at rkalish54@gmail.com

Richard KalishWatertown Resident

Elections

LETTER: Group of Parents Advocate for School Committee Candidate

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Dear Watertown Residents,

We enthusiastically and unequivocally endorse Jessica Middlebrook for Watertown School Committee. Because of her significant experience as an educator and her commitment to equity and inclusion, she is uniquely equipped to represent and champion our community’s educational priorities. She will ensure that our schools foster environments that care for students’ wellbeing, promote learning, and lay the foundation for students’ success. Jessica would add a vital, empathetic perspective to the Watertown School Committee as our community makes policy decisions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and other matters that affect the learning and wellbeing of our students. As a school mental health counselor, we are confident that Jessica not only possesses the knowledge and experience to shepherd our schools through turbulent times, but that her perspectives on the School Committee would strengthen our schools and benefit learners for years to come.

Election 2021

LETTER: School Committee Candidate Would be Voice for Parents & Students

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I met Rachel in the playground and my first impression of her was gentle spoken and genuinely kind. While COVID kept students and parents socially distanced, I got more opportunities to connect with her. As a woman of color and an immigrant who did not attend grade school here, I was always reluctant to share my thoughts with anyone. Part of it because I was not familiar with the system, another part of it was the fear of being viewed as “a trouble maker.” Rachel has been selfless with sharing everything she knows about education scientifically, realistically, as well as encouraging me and other parents to share our voice. I support Rachel for School Committee because we desperately need a voice for parents and students, safe guarding the bottom line of “doing the right thing.” Rachel is transparent about what Watertown is good at, and what we can do better, not limited to the K-12 level, but equipping our children beyond the 12th Grade.