Letters

LETTER: Let’s Prioritize Housing Affordability in Our FY 2027 City Budget!

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I was profoundly disappointed that the housing affordability crisis was not addressed in the City Manager’s Budget Presentation at the City Council meeting on April 8. Although Mr. Proakis is open to and advocates for a range of solutions to our housing affordability crisis, during his presentation he did not acknowledge the crisis and did not prioritize housing affordability – as a City and for the new Human Services Director. At the meeting, City Manager Proakis correctly positioned the City Council, the community, and staff to consider how economic uncertainty and likely far-reaching government cuts will impact municipal funding. It will also impact residents’ ability to remain housed. In light of the current economic threats, we should make sure that we’re giving serious thought to priorities for Fiscal Year 2027; and talking to our City Councilors about it.

Letters

LETTER: Non-Emergency Water Work on Holy Day

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Greetings Councilors:

Has your residence been subjected to the nonemergency (Click here) CIP Project 2 Sewer Rehabilitation [shut off]? Specifically, on a Holy Day (Good Friday & Passover), when your family is preparing for a weekend religious observance? Well …, welcome to the East End! Did you know: the news for folks, who reside on sections of Keenan St., Mt. Auburn St.

Letters

LETTER: How Will Supreme Court Decide What is an “Official Act”?

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America has experienced nothing but chaos, suspected election interference from a foreign country, unrest, prejudges and the division of common people since Trump came down the escalator at the Trump Tower in New York City announcing his candidacy for President of the United States. I guess this discord laid dormant or underground for years; however, he has made it acceptable and Hell seems to have erupted. We are told that during his first term cabinet officials kept him in check from executing his wildest impulses. However, he has considered himself unfettered in his actions after the Supreme Court’s decision on July 1, 2024, granting him limited immunity. This ruling stated that presidents, including former ones, have immunity from prosecution for “official acts” carried out during their tenure.

Letters

LETTER: Fire Department’s Second Ambulance Should be a Priority

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Greetings:

Sometimes; residents express their thoughts and concerns on social media; inclusive of our much appreciated and respected, Watertown News. Through the years, I have learned that the public process only works when the powers that be hear directly from constituents; in documented communications. Nothing else counts! Take the initiative to make a difference. Participate in the open, public process.

Letters

LETTER: Believe it or Not With the Second Term

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Dear Editor,

Shall we start a BELIEVE IT OR NOT WITH THE SECOND TERM

President Donald Trump introduced on April 3, 2025 a gold “Trump Card” Featuring his face onthe front. The $5 million “gold card” program is aimed at wealthy immigrants (note not Migrants) seekingU.S. residency. The announcement aboard Air Force One, offers “green card-plus” privileges toindividuals who invest $5 million in American businesses. It will replace the existing EB-5 visaprogram, which required lower investment amounts and job creation. The initiative is set to become available in less than two weeks.

Letters

OP-ED: Watertown’s Budget —Action Expresses Priorities

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By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

PART 3: Action Expresses Priorities (Mahatma Gandhi)

So, I went through the budget papers for Fiscal Year 2026. To make this a little shorter, I’ve abbreviated goals, etc. For the exact documents that I am outlining below, Click here and choose Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Policy Guidelines. An important note on transparency: I will be adding my opinions and questions to these pages. They’ll be in italics.

Letters

OP-ED: Watertown’s Budget — What Are the Priorities?

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By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

PART 1: Watertown’s Days of Plenty

Over the last few years, there’s been a sort of “Boom town” attitude toward what we could afford here in Watertown. Despite the folks who said,”Don’t you think that we should slow down here? We’ve been here before, and this bubble is likely to burst sooner than later.” Those voices were drowned out and ignored. As one worried resident said, “When the downturn comes, it’s going to get ugly around here!”

You know when you have an uneasy feeling? Call it what you like … intuition, sixth sense, foreboding, “the jitters.” Well, lately I’ve been feeling uneasy and unsettled about the potential financial and policy direction of our City.

Letters

LETTER: Ambulance, Public Safety Should be a Priority in New City Positions

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Greetings Councilors:

Has anyone noticed the cumulative monetary effects of all the new positions created within the City Administration? And yet; a second ambulance, for the well-being and safety of the citizens of Watertown, is in jeopardy of not materializing for the coming fiscal year budget. The last paragraph of the 03/06/25 Committee on Budget and Fiscal Oversight (BFO) Report states as follows:

“At the conclusion of the discussion, the Manager shared that there is uncertainty around the FY26 budget,…..He proposed that the Fire Department and Committee continue exploring the proposal, given the  value of having an additional on-site ambulance service. However, he does not see this as a possibility for FY26 given where we are in the planning cycle, and the current forecast.” [Note: referral to BFO was made on 11/12/24]

So …, after the Council and City Manager hired over thirty new employees in two fiscal years: it seems as though the City is now in austerity mode. At the 2023 Memorial Day Parade; I spoke to several City Councilors. I strongly voiced my concerns against the then proposed increased level of new City hires, included in the FY 24 Budget.