John Lawn 2013 Council Endorsement

To the Editor,

On Tuesday November 5th, Watertown will hold our municipal elections to chose our Town Council for the next two years.  Over the last eighteen months there has been an unprecedented number of elections for voters to fill many Federal and State vacancies, and although there is a lot of voter fatigue, these elections are crucial to how we want our Town Government to work.

I am asking you to please consider voting for Stephen Corbett, JD Donohue, Paul Fahey for Town Councilors At- Large as well as Mark Sideris for Town Council President.

Stephen Corbett currently serves as Vice President of the council, he was elected by his peers and has always been an active member in this community as well as a volunteer.  As Chairman of the Police Station Building committee, a $15.2 million project, I relied on Stephens’s background in construction which, proved invaluable to delivering a first class facility for our Police Department as well as coming in $600k under budget. Stephen has also served on the building committee for the Middle School expansion.  He is objective and open minded and his experience and fiscal responsibly will be valuable as the Town faces numerous challenges ahead. As Watertown looks forward to building new schools, having someone as experienced as Stephen Corbett involved will be a tremendous asset.

JD Donohue is an experienced Councilor as well as a small business owner in town. JD has been active and generous with his time to help his community.  JD is a lifelong resident who has made many strong contributions to the Council.  He was a leader in having the Council going paperless and also a strong voice in adoption of our new recycling program.  JD plays a vital role in the Town budget and the many challenges Watertown faces going forward. JD also has four young children in the Watertown Public Schools, and will be a strong advocate for the improvements to the Watertown school system. 

Paul Fahey has over 35 years experience in government. Paul is a former Town Councilor, Town Meeting and School Committee member. Paul has also been active in the Watertown Democratic Committee and the Watertown Housing Partnership. He has served many years in various roles of state government. I believe Paul’s experience in both state and local government will be a valuable resource on the Council.  He is a dedicated citizen who will be a strong addition to the Watertown Council. 

I will also be voting for Mark Sideris as Council President. Mark has been a thoughtful and open leader and has brought a steady hand to the Council.  Mark was a valuable member of the Police Station Building Committee, and during these last few years as the town’s resources have become limited, he has always kept Watertown’s best interest in mind.

Watertown is facing many challenges, including new schools, the development of the town, and spending our tax dollars efficiently.  I believe the election of these candidates is essential and in the best interest of the citizens and in moving Watertown forward. 

John Lawn
20 Pilgrim Road
State Representative

10th Middlesex District