Politics & Town Hall

http://www.wickedlocal.com/belmont/news/x811432545/Town-lights-entirety-of-Belmont-Street

Saw Markey on CSpan arguing for supporting the bailout bill today.  Also saw on MAPLight.org, which traces who contributes money to which politicians and then links them to votes on related issues, that Markey accepted over $400,000 in the past five years from banks and other financial institutions.   Coincidence?   

Allow H2otown a moment to say this:  Jon Hecht was an excellent Town Councillor.  He thought things through systematically.  He did not wing it.  He was serious about public policy and unlike H2otown can actually spell "governance" correctly the first time.   ...So who's going to replace him on that esteemed body?  Hm?! [How much did H2otown love the "I'm going to Disneyland!" quote in the TAB?  A lot!]   

For those voters and interested citizens not able to make the Candidate's Debate - please tune in to Watertown Cable Access local channels to catch two programs. Both programs are produced by Pam Piantedosi for her local cable program Mind Your Own Business. This one hour special features all four candidates for the State Rep Race. Chris Helms - (Editor Watertown Tab and Press) and keeper of the wicked local/watertown website (www.wickedlocal.com/watertown) co-hosted the program. Chris and Pam present questions to each candidate and keep the flow of discussion going on a number of topics and issues. It's definetely worth the watch. The next program features Town Clerk John Flynn and Chairman of the Board of Election Commissioners Curtis Whitney. Pam Piantedosi has a frank discussion on the uniqueness of the upcoming State Rep "sticker/write-in" campaign and what the voters need to know and do to make certain their vote counts on election day. All in all, it's a great program with valuable information on this election process and the hand counting of write-in and/or sticker ballots.Check out the Watertown Cable Access Studio website at www.wcatv.org and click on the link for the program line up for dates and times both programs are being aired. For Comcast local cable - it's channel 9 and for RCN - it's channel 3. If anyone wants a DVD, all you need to do is contact the studio.Both programs will run several times a week from now until Primary Election Day - Tuesday September 16, 2008.

Attention all those who are interested in learning more about the candidates running to replace Rachel Kaprielian as state representative!

The Watertown Democratic Town Committee will be holding a forum on September 8th with the candidates for the 29th Middlesex State Representative district formerly held by DTC member and current Registrar of Motor Vehicles, Rachel Kaprielian. The event will be held at the Brigham House, 341 Mount Auburn Street in Watertown from 7PM-9PM. DTC member Dolores Mitchell will be moderating the event and we expect to have time for audience questions. We are also accepting suggestions for questions, so if there is any particular subject that you hope will be covered or you would like to volunteer to help with the event, please post below or send me a response at watertowndems@gmail.com.

Please help us spread the word! This may be the last chance for voters to directly to confront the candidates before the September 16th Primary.

Where:

Brigham House
341 Mount Auburn St
Watertown, MA
02472

When:

September 8th, 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

David Bernstein on the move:

Rachel Kaprelian of Watertown is a rising star in state politics, and I've thought for some time that she was frankly too hot a property for the state house of representatives -- where she has risen to be first-division chair. Had risen, I should say, because today Deval Patrick named Kaprelian the new registrar at the registry of motor vehicles. I imagine there will be much speculation about Kaprelian bailing on DiMasi, and there may be something to that -- but I think this is a great opportunity for her to start making a state-wide name for herself.

H2otown's take:

1. Does this mean the Watertown RMV won't be closing?
2. Who will run for this seat?

Coolidge School Redevelopment Construction MeetingRepresentatives of Coolidge School LLC and CWC Builders (our general contactor) will be available to discuss construction schedule, provide contact info, and address any construction related questions in relation to redevelopment of the former Coolidge School.

7PM - AT HELLENIC CENTER, 25 BIGELOW AVE. MONDAY, MARCH 24TH

Councilor-at-Large Susan Falkoff will be holding office hours on the first Friday of every month from 8-10 am. The March 7 event will be at Starbucks in Watertown Square. Please drop by and share your thoughts, suggestions, and concerns with Susan or email her at any time at sfalkoff@watertown-ma.gov.

Clinton beat Obama in Watertown, but by a smaller margin then the rest of the state. Clinton 51% Obama 46%
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/primaries/mass_primary_dem_results_by_town/
On the Republicans side, Romney won watertown with 56% of the vote over McCain's 37%. Thus, Romney did better here then in the rest of the state. It should be noted that Romney only got 65% of the vote in Belmont. One would think that he would do better then that in his "hometown."
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/primaries/mass_primary_gop_results_by_town/

Don't forget to get out and vote today!

The Hellenic Cultural Center was fairly buzzing with activity even just after 7 this morning. It's always encouraging to see such a high turnout.