Let’s take a walk down memory lane and see what history might teach us. In 2001, the
Republican slate of candidates for Watertown’s Town Council won and took over the majority. I
was one of those candidates. One of our first actions was to establish a second public
participation at Council meetings. In those days, many citizens attended Council meetings and
were encouraged to speak about any topic they cared about. Council members participated in
conversations with our citizens and answered their questions.
But that was then. Things change, and sometimes, not for the better. The current
Republican majority has the opposite view. Citizens are not encouraged to participate in our
government, not allowed to raise new issues, and sometimes made to feel they are intruding.
Questions and concerns are not addressed by the Council.
How can we change Town Council meetings back to the way they were? The election on
November 7 is a chance to eliminate the Republican majority on the Council. If all four non-
Republican candidates win, the Republican dominance that has prevailed since 2009 will vanish.
There are three superb candidates running on the Independent Party line: Katherine
Camara, Rachael Ryan, and Carina Noyd. Katherine has been a tireless citizen advocate for
years. Rachael is a government expert and currently serves on the Council. Carina is new to
local politics, and has a genuine interest in listening to our citizens. If the Republican majority is
overturned, you will see Council Members talking with you and answering your questions during
public participation.
Government is supposed to work for the people. Not the other way around. Help bring
decision-making out of the shadows and restore transparency to Watertown government. You
can improve our town. Vote Independent. Row C.
Sincerely,
Richard Wick, Chairman
Watertown-Oakville Independent Party
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