Political newcomer Velasquez running for Watertown City Council
Mar. 19—WATERTOWN — Anthony Velasquez thinks it's time to put a political newcomer on City Council.
He's seen enough of the political disharmony on council and disregard of what voters want, so City Council needs a new face.
The two incumbents, Lisa A. Ruggiero and Cliff G. Olney III, have caused the city to face financial instability after spending $3.4 million purchase of the former Watertown Gold Club in Thompson Park and $4 million on a new pool on the city's north side in recent years, he insisted.
As a result of that spending, Velasquez thinks the city faces a significant tax increase in next year's budget.
"I've lost confidence in city government," he said.
While he's a political neophyte, Velasquez thinks the city is ripe for new leadership.
"I think my political inexperience is an asset," he said.
He's throwing his hat in the ring just weeks after it was revealed that state police are investigating the controversial golf club purchase. Two months ago, investigators showed up to a council meeting to interview council members in the mayor's office about the deal.
Residents are disgusted with what's going on, he said. They want all of it to be over and council to focus on city business.
Council members made some bad decisions, and now residents will be paying for their mistakes, he said.
He's not affected by any of it, so he can lead the city into the future and he will listen to his constituents, he said.
Velasquez has always been interested in politics. Ever since he was a teen, watching presidential debates was his Super Bowl, Velasquez said.
He also stressed that he will focus on issues involving the whole city, that residents on the north and south side of the city should work together for the betterment of Watertown.
Velasquez, 31, a 2012 graduate of Watertown High School, also worried about the city's brain drain. Too many of the city's young people have gone off to the college and never came back to live. They should have more opportunities to return to their hometown, he said,
He feels fortunate that he's been afforded that opportunity, working as a Wiley school teacher.
Velasquez has a lot of competition for one of two council seats. He noted that he was one of the first candidates to announce he was running.
So far, at least eight candidates have announced their candidacy for council.
Two candidates will be elected in November. With so many candidates already announcing, they compete in a primary on June 24.
Political petitions must be returned to the board of elections by April 3.
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