Pam Piantedosi's blog

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.

Just read the following post on the Watertown Tab Blog - and am posting it as it is written.

Town Manager takes recount controversy to court
Posted on December 6, 2007 by Jillian Fennimore
Filed Under Elections, Town politics |

In a release sent to town officials tonight, Town Manager Michael Driscoll says he plans to file a complaint with Superior Court in regards to discrepancies in the recount numbers, mainly in Precincts 4 and 5, after Friday’s post-election procedure between Marilyn Devaney and John Donohue. The ballot count from the Nov. 30 recount was eight additional ballots over what was originally counted after the Nov. 6 local election.

“The Town of Watertown intends to pursue clarification of the election results through appropriate legal means consisting of the filing of a complaint in superior court,” the statement read. “The complaint will, at a minimum, seek permission to review and recount the ballots and related election materials in B4 and B5.”

Does he have the authority to do this? And does this take the responsibility (legally and financially) away from Donohue in fighting the recount in court? Councilors have been recently discussing to enact a full investigation of the recount, so maybe this is the direction they have decided to take, but it surely seems like a surprise move to some. Donohue met with his lawyer tonight to determine his own course of action, but no word yet from his camp.

More as we have it. Stick around tomorrow morning for further details.

Among the many issues discussed last night at the T/C meeting, one in particular struck a chord or at a minimum, should have with anyone who follows our local legislators.

In particular, when three resolutions were presented by Councilor Jonathan Hecht, all relating to the Governor’s overall proposals for municipalities to consider adopting, the message apparent by Town Council President Younger was that our local legislation should keep their noses out of the state’s business so they can do what they were elected to do for our benefit; but yet when it came to our underperforming pension funds, the state should stay out of ours. What gives?

If it were not for Councilor Jonathan Hecht, chances are good that we would never have come to know about the impact this will have on those of us – all of us - who will be contributing to funding millions to the retirement fund up to 2019. Hecht painstakingly took Governor Patrick’s visit to Watertown and his message seriously enough to follow through by presenting this information to the Town through the Council for the past few months. And he did so because he had the insight to know that beyond any doubt, our town had the ability and resources to take advantage of cost savings – not to mention the potential for revenue generation and relief from an already overburdened tax base. And if we sat back and ignored what was happening at the state level, we would be left in the dust. And that’s just for the pension. Rep Kaprelian and Dolores Mitchell pitched the GIC Bill as well, which should prove to all that there is substantial reason and justification as to why local legislators should be aware, concerned and involved!

With budgetary constraints at our doorsteps, potential loss of jobs and services, outrageous rise in health insurance costs, underperforming pensions and a funding schedule in the millions, rises in water/sewer, real estate taxes and cost of living increases, how is it that Mr. Younger can ask us to mind our own business, when we all know that all politics is local. When we elect our state representatives, we do so with the understanding that we entrust them to make decisions that will affect our lives. If we relinquish our interests, pay no attention and remain uninvolved, then we will continue to get what he suggests we deserve.

Ed O'Reilly, a Watertown native and graduate from WHS Class of 1971 has filed papers in Washington and plans to make the formal announcement on Saturday at UMass during the Democratic Convention. The following is the AP story.

May 17, 2007

BOSTON --A Gloucester attorney is planning to challenge U.S. Sen. John Kerry in the 2008 election, saying the Massachusetts Democrat was wrong to support military intervention in Iraq and should be replaced to bring a fresh perspective into the political system.Mass. RSS feed

Edward O'Reilly, a former lobsterman, firefighter, Gloucester city councilor and Gloucester School Committee member, plans to run as a Democrat.

"This is no flash in the pan," O'Reilly said Thursday as he dropped off news releases at the Statehouse. "I've devoted a lot of time to planning this campaign."

O'Reilly, 53, plans a formal announcement Saturday at the Democratic State Convention in Amherst. A year from now, he will need to gain the support of 15 percent of the convention delegates to secure a spot on the Democratic primary ballot against Kerry, who was his party's 2004 presidential nominee and has served in the U.S. Senate since 1985.

Kerry was unchallenged during his 2002 re-election campaign. O'Reilly said Kerry was wrong to vote in October 2002 in favor of a congressional resolution authorizing war with Iraq, a vote Kerry himself now says was a mistake. Earlier this year he said he would not mount a second presidential campaign so he could focus on ending the war.

Kerry spokeswoman Amy Brundage said the senator "continues to lead the fight in the Senate to end the war in Iraq, bring our troops home, and force Washington to wake up on global climate change... Sen. Kerry is honored to serve Massachusetts and looks forward to his re-election campaign."

O'Reilly said he favors an immediate troop withdrawal, while preserving a rapid response force to deal with terrorist threats in the region.

"Over 50 percent of the Iraqis want us out. There's no reason to stay there any more," said O'Reilly.

A native of Watertown, he is the son of former Watertown Fire Chief Robert O'Reilly and the brother of a western Massachusetts FBI agent, Michael O'Reilly.

O'Reilly graduated from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and the New England School of Law.

On Air right now - Mrs. Devaney is scheduled to appear on air on 96.9 FM within minutes. For those who want to tune in.

Ladies... and you thought you had a bad hair day. Check out the Tab's breaking story on none other than Mrs. Devaney - who by all accounts would have your golden locks rolled tighter than a spoolie. Mind you, a curling device is involved - and while not plugged in - sparks certainly did fly. Check it out!

www.townonline.com/watertown/homepage/x109703270

Ahhhh.... it seems that Daylight Savings has had at least one impact locally - and it's the cable studio's server. Apparently, the clock never reset - so for anyone who is wondering why the Town Council meeting isn't on as of 7:20 PM - it's because it won't jump to the meeting until 8:00 or 8:15. Guess we'll just have to miss some of whatever it is we were hoping to see - ya think?

There's quite an agenda set up for this week's regular T/C Meeting, but one that's most intriguing and interesting to keep a watch for - and it's "Item 6A COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. Rules and Ordinances Committee report on appointments to various boards/commissions, amendment to rules to improve decorum & efficiency of council proceedings, a policy on emails and a proposed temporary moratorium on construction of multi-family residential apartments/condominiums – Jonathan Hecht"

There's a lot of information that we should anticipate that will be forthcoming; of interest is the amendment to rules to improve decorum... emails and a first reading and ordinance on the temporary moratorium on construction of multi-family...."

I'm just speculating here, but undoubtedly, the TC Prez may be on the defense in re: emails - given the nature of his use or misuse of emails being sent through his private corporate secretary on behalf of the Town's official business.

Additionally, I'll be tuning in since history has shown that amendments to rules of the Council, as written for the Council, adopted by the Council is as a result and in response to the behavior of one Councilor; thus the need to implement rules based on her behavior.

The moratorium may be just the method being discussed in re: Pleasant Street corridor.

So stay tuned!

I attended the second of the Watertown Savings Bank Club 50 Holiday Events at the Newton Marriott tonight. This event is history in the making, with over 1,000 Club 50 Members. It takes 2 separate functions to accomodate the membership and it's accomplished selflessly.

Ron Dean, the President and CEO of WSB epitomizes what this community is all about. Approximately 500 people who were in attendance tonight rose to their feet and tapped to the beat of an 18 piece orchestra. A musical interlude honoring each branch of the United States Armed Forces paid tribute to all veterans for their service, courage and conviction to keep us safe under the blanket of freedom we enjoy.

And that was just the beginning. The sounds of holiday cheer was exemplified with hand shakes, hugs and best wishes exchanged over a dinner fit for a king.

Is it any wonder why Watertown Savings Bank continues to be regarded and respected as more than just a bank. Reaching beyond Watertown and into surrounding communities of Arlington, Belmont and Waltham, a devoted and dedicated staff of employees, corporators and trustees give new meaning to "community."

Aside from donating literally hundreds of thousands of dollars to non-profits, their interest in the revitalization of Watertown Square, Faire on the Square, the Customer Choice Awards, annual summer barbeques and the Sonny Whooley Childrens Christmas Fund, Watertown Savings Bank continues to lead and carve out the future of community spirit and interest.

Within our 4 square miles of the city known as the Town of Watertown and beyond, I extend my profound gratitute to the devotion and dedication to Watertown Savings Bank and all that they represent.

Thank You Ron Dean and to those employees who welcome, recognize and respect all citizens of Watertown.