Legislators Coming to Watertown to Discuss Key Issues for Mass.

State legislators want to hear from Watertown residents about how they feel about two key issues being debated in the State House: containing health care costs and prison sentencing reforms.

Two forums will be held in the coming weeks where residents can learn about the two issues and give feedback to their state representatives and state senator.

"I’d like to invite you to two community forums that I’ll be hosting over the next month to discuss these very significant and controversial bills," State Rep. Jonathan Hecht wrote in a letter. "These forums will detail the proposals contained in each bill and give you an opportunity to ask questions and provide your input. All are welcome to attend, so please spread the word!"

On Monday, Feb. 27, Hecht and State Rep. John Lawn will host the forum "Containing Health Care Costs in MA." The event will be in the Town Council Chambers in Town Hall from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A presentation will be made by Paul Williams of Health Care For All, and the discussion will be on pending legislation from a consumer/patient perspective.

The second forum entitled "Sentencing Reform in MA" will be held Monday, March 12 at the Watertown Free Public Library in the Watertown Savings Bank Room from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Topics of discussion will include: mandatory sentences for drug offenders, habitual offender punishments and mandatory post-release supervision. A panel of speakers will include Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, State Rep. David Linsky - a former assistant district attorney, and Leslie Walker, executive director of Prisoners' Legal Services.

The forum is sponsored by Hecht, Lawn and State Sen. Will Brownsberger.

If you have any questions about either of these events, please contact Megan Wood in State Rep. Hecht's office at 617-722-2140 or by email at Megan.Wood@mahouse.gov.