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January 19, 2010 - 9:39pm

Westwood goes 60/40 for Brown

by Dave Atkins

According to results posted on the Town web site, nearly 74% of registered voters in Westwood turned out to vote overwhelmingly for Republican Scott Brown. The report on the town web site breaks down the voting by precinct and shows high turnout and support for Brown over Coakley in all four precincts. By way of comparision, Westwood voted 52% for President Obama in 2008.

January 19, 2010 - 2:06pm

Heavy Turnout in Westwood

by Dave Atkins

When I voted a little after noon at the Hanlon school, 1040 ballots had already been recorded. That's over 40% of registered voters. As the evening voters cast their ballots, it seems likely we will easily see 60% or more in a slushy snowfest.

I hope people vote today and I hope they think long and hard about their choice.

January 17, 2010 - 2:28pm

An Upset in the Making?

by Dave Atkins

When I blogged my endorsement of Alan Khazei in the Democratic primary, I basically said the special election on Tuesday wouldn't matter because how could a Republican possibly win?

I guess I was guilty of the same cluelessness that has gripped the Coakley campaign. This sign up the street from me...although I disagree with it, I am impressed that Scott Brown has inspired grassroots support enough that people are making homemade signs.

January 14, 2010 - 10:07am

Get Ready for Town Election

by Dave Atkins

Four candidates have already taken out papers to run for two open seats on the School Committee, and voters will select 3 members to the Planning Board at the annual Town Election on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. Nomination papers containing 50 signatures of registered Westwood voters (60 recommended) are due back in the Town Clerk’s office no later than the close of business on Tuesday, March 9, 2010.

According to the Town Election Preview posted by Town Clerk Dottie Powers (running for re-election), this year's election will include:

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December 9, 2009 - 9:52am

Nearly 30% Vote in Westwood

by Dave Atkins

According to the preliminary election results published by town clerk Dottie Powers, 29.64% of registered voters in Westwood voted in the Senate primary yesterday. That's almost double the turnout in Boston.

Democrats

MICHAEL E. CAPUANO 19%
MARTHA COAKLEY 49%
ALAN A. KHAZEI 18%
STEPHEN G. PAGLIUCA 14%

Republicans

SCOTT P. BROWN 94%
JACK E. ROBINSON 5%
Write-ins 1%
December 7, 2009 - 12:12pm

Vote tomorrow for US Senate

by Dave Atkins

The Massachusetts Special State Primary to select candidates to run for Ted Kennedy's US Senate seat is tomorrow. Republicans can choose between Wrentham State Senator Scott Brown and attorney/entrepreneur Jack Robinson. Democrats will choose between Attorney General Martha Coakley, Somerville Congressman Mike Capuano, Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca, and CityYear co-founder Alan Khazei.

This is a vote that matters. Among the 4 Democrats, all are qualified in different ways. Personally, I strongly support Alan Khazei, but I encourage everyone to turn off the TV and check out these candidates, make a choice, and get out there tomorrow and make your vote count.

March 8, 2009 - 1:46am

Running for Local Office

by GregAgnew

Dear Residents,

On February 10th and 11th of 2009, I organized and helped lead a discussion in both Westwood and Walpole, MA on the importance of running for local, state, and national office. I was thankful for the many people who participated and took time out of their very busy schedules to attend this very important and interesting discussion on political climates and civic engagement.

Now that the Westwood Town Election is right around the corner, I look forward to seeing the excitement of local politics once again. As a former candidate for the Board of Selectmen, you know I have a passion for our town, and for the democratic process. I encourage any and all individuals who are interested in running for office to pull papers with our Town Clerk in her office at the Town Hall. It’s important to remember that it’s not too late to do so. Interested individuals have until March 10th to turn in a minimum of 50 signatures to become nominated for any public office.

I congratulate Jason Lee, Steve Rafsky, and Steve Olanoff for showing their commitment to our town by running for Planning Board. No matter who you may support, it must be acknowledged that these individuals have a passion for the democratic process, and are kind enough to volunteer their time to help make Westwood a better place to live for each and every one of us.

I look forward to April 28, 2009, when all the votes are tallied and the victors chosen.

Best Wishes,

Greg Agnew
greg@gregagnew.com
781-801-0779

November 3, 2008 - 10:42am

Westwood Choices on Ballot Tomorrow

by Dave Atkins

I had hoped to write a more thorough analysis of the election, but instead, I want to draw attention to two of the lesser known items on the ballot. (Download a complete sample ballot for Westwood).

Westwood resident Michael Walsh is running as an independent against two incumbents and a 4th challenger for two Norfolk County Commissioner positions. There is also a non-binding question 4 asking whether to abolish the county government. For more information about this race, read the Daily News Transcript article covering the debate between the two challengers, this editorial, and a story about how confident the incumbents feel about being re-elected. The Patriot Ledger has a full profile of all 4 candidates. County government is almost invisible to most of us, but these positions are responsible for "...regional services including land records, vocational education, corrections, Trial Court facilities maintenance, engineering, recreation, regional municipal services, volunteer programs, and additional statutory responsibilities." The county website describes these important services in more detail.

The last position on the ballot is the Blue Hills Regional Technical School Committee. This board is comprised of members elected from each member town in the district...but all voters in the district can vote for all candidates. Westwood has no candidate running, but apparantly there are two write-in campaigns ongoing in town to fill this position. If you know who is running...feel free to comment here! In Braintree, the position is contested and a debate between the two candidates may provide some insight.

October 27, 2008 - 11:54am

Question 1 Forum

by Dave Atkins

On Wednesday, October 29th, Representative Paul McMurtry will host a forum for all interested citizens to discuss Ballot Question 1, the income tax repeal and how it relates to our community. The forum is open to all residents of the 11th Norfolk District and will take place at the Dedham Middle School at 7 p.m.

House Majority Leader John Rogers, Westwood Town Administrator Michael Jaillet, and Dedham Town Administrator William Keegan will join the discussion, as well as Dedham Police Chief Weir and Westwood Fire Chief Scobel and other members of Local Government.

"In these trying economic times, I am obligated as State Representative to make sure that we all truly understand the potential impact of question 1" said Representative McMurtry "I invite concerned and interested residents to join me for an informational evening."

If you have any further questions please e-mail Bobby Rinn at Robert.Rinn@hou.state.ma.us who will coordinate meeting details.

September 15, 2008 - 8:37pm

Vote in Primary Tuesday, September 16

by Dave Atkins

My mother-in-law forwarded my wife an email encouraging women to vote in this election and reminding us all how the vote was not achieved easily. Can you believe American women were imprisoned, beaten and tortured because they dared to picket the White House asking for the right to vote? Today, it is easy to write off this primary as an inconsequential chore with mostly unchallenged incumbent candidates who don't even face opposition in the general election. But choosing to vote is the first step in figuring out what choices there actually are:

Senator John Kerry is being challenged by Ed O'Reilly in the Democratic primary. The winner will face Republican Jeff Beatty in the November general election.

Democrats will also choose between Dedham resident Kelly Timilty and Robert Jubinville for a seat on the Governor's Council. Additional races include State House and Senate seats plus the Norfolk County Commissioner, Treasurer, and Register of Probate. Of these, only the County Commissioner position is contested between John Gillis and Francis O'Brian in the Democratic primary. WBZ has a useful web site tool that can help you construct a sample ballot based on your address.

It takes a little effort, but there are choices to be made and an opportunity for your vote to count.

Following the primary, next week on Monday, September 22, the Westwood Finance Commission will hold a public hearing on the warrant articles for the Special Town meeting. If you have an opinion about the proposals to grant additional alcohol licenses and would like to modify the warrant articles or suggest the Finance Commission oppose or support them, this meeting is your opportunit to do so. Town Meeting is too late. No doubt there will be a flurry of emails and mailings prior to town meeting designed to get residents to show up and vote yes or no, but there will be no opportunity to suggest alternatives or compromise at that time.

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