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The race for mayor in Watertown heats up

Julia Botero
/
WRVO News
Councilmen Joseph Butler Jr. ( left) and Stephen Jennings ( right) are vying for Mayor Jeff Graham's seat as top city leader.

The race for mayor in Watertown is heating up. Three candidates have thrown their hat in the ring to run against incumbent Jeff Graham in November's election. 

Stephen Jennings, Joseph  Butler and Mayor Jeffrey Graham work together on a weekly basis. Both Jennings and Butler are city council members.  Both believe the city needs a new leader at the top.

“There is no vision to me. That is my great frustration and I feel that the things I envision are not going to be enacted in this current council. I think we need a change,” Jennings said.

Jennings is running on a platform similar to the one that got him elected to city council a year and a half ago. He wants to focus on bringing business downtown, improving neighborhoods like the city’s impoverished near Eastside and creating a walkable greenway.

“Our city greatly needs to be improved. There is no question about that. I hear that on the street. I’m already on the street campaigning . I’m putting myself and my ideas out there for consideration,” Jennings said.

Jennings has worked with the Watertown Health Department for 20 years. His  first elected position has been as a city council member.  Butler says Jennings doesn't have enough experience for the job.

Butler has served on the city council for the past seven years. He works  as a financial consultant at Community Bank. He says he believes the city needs a leader who will focus on improving the city’s finances. Butler says since taking office the city has less debt and a better credit rating. 

“Those are the type of things I can do when it comes to defending the taxpayer. I’m always prudent when it comes to the budget. I’m a tightwad essentially. I don’t like to spend money foolishly," Butler said.

Butler brings up the city’s $10.3 million renovation of the ice arena. He says he wanted to bring the cost down. Jennings and Graham, on the other hand, see the new arena as an investment in the community.

Graham says if re-elected he wants to focus more on projects that make the city a fun place to live.

“When you look at those kinds of issues it’s important to continue that work. A lot of people say, 'Oh we don’t want to spend money on this and that,' but that is what makes the city special, ” Graham said.

Graham owns and runs the Pearl St. Pub in town. He's been mayor of Watertown for 20 years.  He was out of the position for a term when Butler’s father was elected  in 2000. In 2004, Graham became mayor again and has served since. Graham is 60 years old. He could have retired before this election, but decided to run for a sixth term.

“They say 60 is the new 40. I don’t know if that’s true. I’m finding out. As far as throwing in the towel I think I’ve put a lot of energy into the job and I’m looking forward to continuing to do so,” Graham said.

Graham says he has the experience and good relationships in Albany.He’s sticking by his record as Watertown long-standing mayor.

The fourth candidate for mayor is political newcomer nineteen-year-old Jefferson Community College student Brendon Webb.

A primary in September will determine the top  two candidates who will run for mayor  in the November election.