Elections

LETTER: Former Council President Endorses Candidate for Councilor At-Large

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Dear Editor,

Last Wednesday, Oct. 8, Theo Offei, was the Guest on the Eye on Watertown Podcast. I was very impressed with his platform that emphasizing and incorporating important issues that involve all constituents of Watertown rather than a few. As an original member of the Charter Commission that established the current management style; Manager – Council under which we are operating, we set up Districts and At-Large Positions. The Purpose of the Districts were to allow lesser- known Candidates to have a smaller field in order to get known; elected and later vie for an At-Large Position; thus, having new faces. Theo could have taken this District Road to being a member of the Council.

Elections

LETTER: City Councilor At-Large Candidate Endorsed by Watertown Resident

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Dear Editor,

I write to formally endorse Theo Offei for Councilor At-Large. As a lifelong resident who graduated from the high school in the 90s, I have seen Watertown dramatically change and continue to do so. The Watertown of 2025 requires leaders who reflect our community’s diversity, energy, and forward-thinking. 

Anchored in understanding the power of community and importance of belonging and representation Theo brings a fresh, inclusive, and visionary approach to city governance. A father in his 30s, Theo was born in Ghana, raised in Italy and became a U.S. Citizen in 2020, making him the embodiment of change. With experience in the tech sector, venture capital, real estate development and construction management, Theo’s professional background gave him a strong grasp of budgeting and finance, housing policy, and infrastructure planning. As Vice Chair of the Resident Advisory Committee he has helped staff 24 boards and commissions, which has shaped the city in many ways. The role has provided insight into city operations and residents’ challenges.

Elections

LETTER: Group of Residents Endorse School Committee Candidate

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We the undersigned, are thrilled that Sheila Krishnan has stepped up to run for Watertown’s School Committee. Sheila respectfully listens to diverse perspectives, builds bridges, and takes stands that will advance Watertown’s well-being for all residents. When she offers suggestions or opinions, Sheila takes stands that will advance Watertown’s well-being for all residents. Sheila is a deep thinker and keen observer. Sheila has proven to be a solid ally for all Watertown residents in a variety of ways and under many circumstances. Recent examples include her advocacy for the 2024 Health & Human Services Study and providing thoughtful feedback on the final report and serving as a community member on the Library Director hiring committee in 2022.

Elections

LETTER: Resident Endorses School Committee Candidate

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I’m writing to urge Watertown voters to vote for Sheila Krishnan for School Committee. Sheila and her husband Steve, both educators themselves, have chosen to rise their kids in Watertown because they love the level of community engagement they’ve found here. I first got to know Sheila through the Kingian Response Team, and we have connected over our shared interest in history and ongoing learning despite our different personal backgrounds. Since then, I’ve watched with admiration at her success in bringing together different parts of the community in service of our youth. She brings a rare combination of deep insight and non-nonsense smarts to complex problems. She helps colleagues get to the heart of the matter with grace and wisdom.

Letters

LETTER: Thanks to Supporters at Operation American Soldier Golf Tournament

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What an incredible day! Thanks to all of you who joined us for our Annual Golf Tournament on Sept. 22 at Windham Country Club — whether you played, sponsored, volunteered, or just came out to cheer us on — we raised over $20,000 for Operation American Soldier! 

Your support keeps us going and helps us continue our mission to serve those who serve us. We truly couldn’t do it without you. A huge shout-out to our Platinum Sponsors for their amazing generosity:

The DeWitt Charitable Fund, Cornerstone Mitsubishi, The Pvt Shutt Detachment, VFW Post 1105, Point32 Health, 356Z Foundation, TJX, BAE Systems, Teddie Peanut Butter, John & Wendy Rocca, Danny Mazzola, Sky Meadow Country Club, and Watertown Savings.

Elections

LETTER: Resident Endorses Candidate for Library Trustee

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I attended last week’s WCA-TV Library Trustee Candidate Forum, and I continue to be impressed with Mr. Xin Peng. In his few years here, I have never seen someone connect so many people so rapidly. He has been instrumental in Pride month, leads World in Watertown and serves on the Human Rights Commission. And now he is running for Library Trustee in the upcoming election. He is passionate about much, but community empowerment ranks at the top. As an immigrant who became a U.S. citizen last year, Xin brings a deeply personal understanding of how public libraries can transform lives.

Letters

LETTER: Snow Season is Around the Corner, Get to Know the New Residential Snow Ordinance

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The Snow Season is upon us, which, in my 30 years’ experience, can run from Halloween to Tax Day. Best to be prepared with a shovel (human, gas, or electric powered), windshield scraper and wiper fluid, pet-safe ice-melt — and a review of the Residential Snow and Ice Removal Ordinance. Passed in January 2024, only this year does it go into full effect, including fines for violations. The City has a helpful FAQ webpage here: https://www.watertown-ma.gov/1237/Residential-Snow-Ice-Removal-Ordinance-F. Both the ordinance and the debate over it were well-covered in these pages.

Letters

LETTER: Mass. Deserves Better — Support the Corporate Fair Share Act & Close the Tax Loophole

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Dear Editor,

Massachusetts is facing a critical moment. Federal budget cuts are threatening to devastate essential services — Medicaid, SNAP, education, mental health care, and more. These cuts could strip healthcare and food assistance from up to 350,000 residents, blow a $3.5 billion hole in our state budget, and harm over 1 million students. We must act now to protect our communities. A powerful solution is the Corporate Fair Share Act (An Act Combating Offshore Tax Avoidance, H.3110/S.2033), a proposal that would raise over $400 million in new annual revenue by closing a loophole that allows billionaire global corporations to hide profits offshore and avoid paying their fair share in Massachusetts taxes.  

Right now, Massachusetts only taxes 5 percent of these offshored profits — far less than neighboring states like Rhode Island, Vermont, and Maine, which tax 50–60 percent.