The following is an adaptation of Tony’s speech to his supporters at
his October 6 campaign kick-off.
Thank you all for coming tonight. I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation to our hosts, the members of my Campaign Committee, the many volunteers who have helped put up signs, contributed to the campaign, and spread the word about my re-election effort. Also, a special thank you to my colleagues on the Council and members of the School Committee for taking the time to join us tonight.
This leaves only you to thank! I want to show my appreciation by presenting a short review of:
1) What I have done as your representative on the Council in the last 21 months?
2) What I have found most challenging about being a junior councilor?
3) What I hope to accomplish in the next two years?
What Have I Done On the Council?
- At Council meetings, during the Chart Review Commission’s discussions, in debates and in my votes I have pursued a simple goal – increase participation of residents in the political process - make it easier for people to have a say in what their government – elected officials and town administrators, do in their name.
- I kept a promise I made to myself when I began. I promised that at any point in my term the file that reads – “Constituents Requests Completed” is bigger than the one that reads “Constituents Requests in Progress”
- I was determined to dispel the myth that a “progressive” is a bleeding heart who cannot find his way around a budge and thinks that the words “increase the tax base” are dirty words.
- I encouraged mutual respect for and transparency by all the folks involved in the town’s negotiations with the teachers. In addition, I stand by my belief that of all the major departments (police, fire, public works, and schools) the school department is most impacted by what might be called by the unpredictability of human behavior.
- Finally, I have re-initiated the efforts to increase the town’s support for support for social services, specifically looking the need for better assess and coordination. I find this issue particularly important because it reminds us all that roads, recycling, economic development, open space, etc. are not the only issues Town government has a responsibility to address.
I recently received a call about a single mom of two children with mental health challenge who were facing eviction. The details are not important. However a social worker, trained in case management and assessment would be all over this case and many others that providers and funders are finding more and more common as the seemingly endless economic crisis hits families in Watertown.
What have I learned?
- That the Town Council is the only place that I am considered a “junior”.
- My mistakes are public as they never have been before.
- The devil is in the details.
- Thinking out side of the box is the mantra of business consultants not governments.
- It is easier to do it as it always has been done.
- That it is hard to reframe the adage “if it is not broken don’t fix it” to “Great it is not broken, but can we make it better?
- What is not broken to some people is a train wreck to others.
However, I have also learned –
- That taken as a whole, the he Town Council is a group of people with extraordinary knowledge and an uncompromising commitment to Watertown and its residents.
- That the words “one size fits all” have no place on the Council. In as many ways that we are the same, we are different.
- That the words, “respectful, challenging, honest, direct, and demanding” are fitting descriptions of the Council.
- That folks who work day-in and day-out to make Watertown run, are like so many other employees – hardworking and supportive.
- More of the same hard work and diligence.
- More of the same commitment to serve all the residents of Watertown.
- Fewer mistakes (at least in public).
- In addition, renewed energy and enthusiasm to maintaining values and serving you.
If you want these things – I ask you
to VOTE! To get out and VOTE even
if this is an off-year election.
Remember that in addition to the council race, there is a school
committee race and the changes to the Watertown’s Charter are on the ballot.
Oh yes – I am number one on the ballot!
Thank you