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Watertown Election

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

LETTER: Steve Aylward Congratulates Browsberger, Writes About the State of the Mass. GOP Party

Republican state senate candidate Steven Aylward writes about the campaign and the Massachusetts Republican Party.

Editor:   I would like to congratulate Will Brownsberger for his re-election to the State Senate in the recent election. I can honestly say that one of the best things about my race was getting to know the Senator. And while we may disagree politically, I must admit that I found him to be a sincere and genuine person who takes his position seriously, and who does in fact care deeply about his constituents. I wish him all the best in the future. Admittedly it was a rough year for the Republican Party. What we have been doing in the past clearly is not working. As a result, calls for swift and sweeping changes at the MA GOP are in the air. For too long we have been content to let our opponents to define us, and that is something that we must…

Sunday, December 4, 2011

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - Election was a Victory Over Walmart for Watertown

Resident John McGinness said despite not winning the election, Mike Mandel's candidacy left a mark on the town and the proposal to bring Walmart to Watertown.

Dear Editor, It's inevitable that following any election the losers will always proclaim some kind of "Moral Victory." We're all cynical, we've all seen it, we all know what to expect. But this time it is different. This time we really did win. Watertown just fought its first battle against Walmart and Watertown won. When Mike Mandel first entered the race there was only one vocal opponent to Walmart running for Councilor at Large. Today, even Steve Corbett, probably the most conservative and pro business man on the council, says he is rethinking his position. This is not a coincidence. Mike Mandel's strong showing was nothing less than a shot fired across the bow of our government. Nobody doubts that Mike Mandel would have won if he was …

Edie B.

9:40 am on Wednesday, December 7, 2011

patti, word of the day for you: shill [shil] noun 1. a person who poses as a customer in order to decoy others into participating, as at a gambling house, auction, confidence game, etc. 2. a person who publicizes or praises something or someone for reasons of self-interest, personal profit, or friendship or loyalty. Note my comment above says that OTHER posters on Patch have suggested that you …   more ›

Thursday, December 1, 2011

UPDATED: Corbett Declared Winner After Recount of Watertown Town Council Election

The recount of the Nov. 8 election took several hours, and Mandel picked up 2 votes.

Steve Corbett was declared the winner of the final at-large Town Council seat after the recount of the Nov. 8 election was completed Thursday, reaffirming Watertown residents' vote that gave the Town Council Vice President a narrow victory over write-in candidate Mike Mandel. Poll workers and election observers filled the Watertown Savings Bank Room at the Watertown Free Public Library Thursday. After several hours of counting, the vote finally became official, and Mandel had picked up 2 votes. The difference was 89 votes. "I'm feeling good. I'm glad it's concluded," Corbett said after the recount concluded at about 4:40 p.m. Thursday. "It was a long day to find out there was  a difference of two votes." Corbett said he looks forward to …

James

9:44 pm on Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Thin lips Peter, That's a good one, your sinking lower, how funny ! How weird, this is better than I thought ! Your most welcome for the Bravo's The Patch is your audience, thanks again ! Bravo   more ›

Thursday, November 17, 2011

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: JD Donohue Thanks the Voters

The councilor at large discusses an issue that has divided the Watertown community.

Dear Friends and Neighbors: Thank you for getting out to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 8; and for allowing me to continue to serve as your Councilor at Large for a third term. I cannot adequately express my debt of gratitude for your belief in my ability to represent all residents on all issues. While the election season started out with only the School Committee as a contested race, it certainly did not end that way.  For the first time in recent history, we all experienced an issue that attempted to divide our community. Watertown could not afford to relapse into a past that proved to be detrimental on so many levels. And thanks to your vote, you sent a clear message to make certain that did not happen again. We all agree and accept that …

Mandel Requests Recount of Watertown Town Council Race

The write-in candidate has asked Town Clerk John Flynn to recount the ballots for the at-large council race which he lost by 91 votes.

The following letter was released by Mike Mandel: In last week's election Watertown voters made a resounding statement by writing my name on the ballot to keep Walmart out of our town. This issue brought together so many people from different backgrounds, young families and seniors, people who have been in Watertown for generations and who recognize the rich history and character of our community, along with people who have come here more recently because of the unique quality of life that Watertown offers to us all. My candidacy has served as an instrument for our collective voice that want a Watertown that will build and grow with an intelligent and comprehensive plan for economic development. We will settle for nothing less than that to…

Mike Mandel

10:20 am on Wednesday, November 23, 2011

If anyone is interested in volunteering to observe the recount on December 1 please contact me: http://mikemandel.info/   more ›

Monday, November 14, 2011

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Post Watertown Election Notes

Candidates write to Patch about last week's Town Election

From District D councilor-elect Kenneth Woodland: I would like to extend my most sincere thank you to all the District D voters who came out to support me this election.  I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the people of Watertown and look forward to working with the entire Council to continue a unified vision of progress.  Thank you to all those who have helped me along the way, my volunteers, and family, it would not have been possible without you.  Kenneth Woodland   From School Committee member-elect Mike Shepard: Dear Editor: I would like to express my deepest thanks to the voters of Watertown for electing me to the School Committee.  I am honored that you have given me this opportunity to serve our community and our …

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Mandel Still Mulling Over Recount Request for Watertown Council Race

The write-in candidate seeks input from supporters before deciding whether to ask for the recount.

Voters cast their votes Tuesday, but the election may not be quite over as write-in Town Council candidate Mike Mandel is still considering calling for a recount of the at-large councilor race. Mandel, whose campaign focused on preventing Walmart from coming to town, came with 91 votes of incumbent Council Vice President Steve Corbett. He said Thursday that he wants to hear from his supporters before he makes up his mind. "I'm not officially saying I'm going for a recount," Mandel said. "I am interested in contacting people who supported me to solicit ideas for reasons why I should and why I should not go for a recount." Mandel said he contacted Town Clerk John Flynn, who said the request must be made within 10 day of the election, which …

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Thank Yous from Watertown's Candidates

Following Tuesday's Town Election, several candidates wrote to thank their supporters.

From School Committee member Eileen Hsu-Balzer: Letter to the Editor: I want to express my deepest gratitude to the voters of Watertown for re-electing me to the Watertown School Committee. I also want to thank the other four candidates for School Committee for their heartfelt campaigns. The campaigns stimulated a lot of community discussion about our schools, and it is my hope that our collective interest will continue to flourish during the selection process for a new Superintendent, and beyond. I will do my part to keep the conversation alive. Thank you for this opportunity. Let’s talk. Eileen Hsu-Balzer   From write-in Town Council candidate Mike Mandel: To the Editor: My write-in candidacy for Town Council, predicated on keeping …

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Voter Turn Out Low So Far on Election Day in Watertown

Races include the School Committee and a write-in for Town Council. You can contribute to the election coverage, too!

Watertown voters can choose at least one new members of the School Committee, and could vote in a write-in candidate for at-large Town Councilor, but so far few have cast their votes in the Watertown Town Election. At 10:30 a.m., the total number of ballots cast at the Police Station, where precinct 10 voter, was 75. Even fewer voters in Precinct 6, which goes to Hibernian Hall, had voted as of 10:45 a.m. — just 55. Along with the School Committee race — where five candidates are going for three seats — and the Town Council (which has a write-in challenger), voters will also vote on the Library Board of Trustees and a change to the Town Charter. Polls close at 8 p.m., and results are expected to be released soon afterward. Follow Watertown…

Monday, November 7, 2011

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Chris "Kip" Beach Would Ensure Tax Dollars are Spent Efficiently

Beach seeks a second term on the Watertown School Committee in Tuesday's election.

Dear Voters,  I respectfully ask for one of your 3 votes for Watertown School Committee on Tuesday, Nov. 8. As a graduate of the Watertown High School Class of '73 I have tremendous passion for Watertown and it’s schools. I will continue to bring energy and enthusiasm to the Watertown School Committee. The most valuable asset Watertown has is it’s public schools  and we must work together to support our students at all levels.     At the same time we must insure that the tax dollars of the hard working tax payers are spent wisely and efficiently. Insuring that the town and schools work together to implement a long term spending plan for the successful future of our schools begins with accountability and leadership. We must work together as…

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