Artificial Turf

OP-ED: Town Councilors — Make a Choice: Public Health & the Environment or More Game Days

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By Watertown resident Janet Buck

I am writing this letter as a way of trying to make sense of what I heard last week in the debate among the candidates for Councilor at Large. The question asked was about the candidate’s views on the use of artificial turf for town playing fields. Almost everyone expressed a sense of being caught in a terribly difficult dilemma. What is more important – extending the availability of playing fields for Watertown kids who play team sports or protecting the environment? I have to ask – why is this so difficult?

Election 2021

LETTER: Former Watertown School Committee Member Makes Endorsement

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Dear Watertown Voters, 

I served for three consecutive four year terms on the Watertown School Committee beginning in the late nineties.  

As a candidate, I made one promise to the citizens of Watertown that I would always ask myself one simple question, “Is my vote in the best interest of Watertown’s children?”

This year, there is a school committee candidate, Jennifer (Holt) Nicholson, who I am confident will be asking that same question. I have known Jennifer since she was born. She has grown into a woman who is passionate about education and fully invested in our community.  She has the drive, intelligence, commitment, and above all, the common sense needed to be an excellent School Committee member. 

Please join me in voting for Jennifer Nicholson for Watertown School Committee. Thank You,Steve Messina

District D

LETTER: Former Westside Councilor Endorses Candidate Running for His Old Seat

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I write today to enthusiastically endorse Emily Izzo to be the next District D Town Councilor! Emily is a lifelong resident who attended Watertown public schools. I have known her for decades and cannot think of someone better suited to be a Town Councilor and represent the west end. Not only is Emily uniquely qualified to serve (she is a municipal finance law attorney), her motivation to serve is as humble as it is pragmatic. She grew up here, loves this Town and wants to use her talents in this very field to continue making it the great place it is today.

Election 2021

LETTER: Former Councilor Makes Endorsement for School Committee

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It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I write today to endorse Jennifer (Holt) Nicholson for Watertown School Committee. I have known Jennifer and the Holt family for decades and her character and credentials are almost too good to be true. A potential school committee member who attended and graduated from the school system, currently has kids in that system, is actively involved in leadership roles in the PTO and is a teacher! This level of personal insight into the Watertown school system, combined with a background and training in education, sets Jennifer apart as being exceptionally able to implement positive change and ensure the best possible outcomes for our children. More than even her qualifications, Jennifer’s vision for our schools is one I believe in and share for our students.

Councilor At-Large

LETTER: Watertown Native Seeks to Continue Serve Her Community as Town Councilor

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Megan O’Halloran

My name is Megan O’Halloran and I am excited to announce that I am running for Councilor-at-Large in the upcoming election on November 2, 2021. I ask for your consideration and support. I have lived in Watertown my entire life and I understand what a special community Watertown is. I am fortunate enough to be raising my children in the same house that my grandparents lived in when they arrived in Watertown in the early ’60s. My husband Brian Hazelwood has lived here for almost 20 years, and we have two girls: Charlotte (11) and Catherine (7).

Environment

LETTER: Three Pests Threaten Watertown Trees

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Cornell ExtensionPhoto of a Pear Leaf with Rust. By James Briand of Trees for Watertown

Watertown’s trees face three distinct invasive pest challenges this year. One, Pear Trellis Rust, is a fungus that has been significantly disfiguring the town’s ornamental pear trees. Another, Emerald Ash Borer, is a small beetle that causes the rapid death of ash trees. The third, Spotted Lantern Fly, is an emerging survival threat to a variety of trees, especially fruit trees.

Around Town

LETTER: Watertown Teachers Union Responds to Calls for Vaccination

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To the Members of the Watertown School Community,

School Committee Candidate Rachel Kay’s recent letter to the Watertown MA News regarding a requirement for Watertown teachers to be vaccinated was not surprising given the level of political discourse that has recently besieged our country. In the letter, Ms. Kay is dismayed that there is not a vaccine mandate in place for teachers in the Watertown Public Schools. Her letter implies that the Watertown Educators Association and Watertown Public School District are opposed to a vaccine mandate. Ms.Kay appears to be uninformed regarding this matter. Had she inquired about a vaccine mandate by asking WEA leaders, School Committee members, or Superintendent Galdston, she would have learned that this matter is currently in negotiations.