Watertown Post Editorial – By HP Wilder
Velasquez Pushes Back on Residency Exception; Watertown Post Stands by Ruggiero and Burns
WATERTOWN, NY — As the City Council debates a proposed local law that would allow certain high-ranking city officials to live outside city limits, City Council candidate Anthony Velasquez has made his position clear: he’s against it.
In a press release issued June 18, 2025, Velasquez said he “vehemently opposes” the measure, which would create an exception to Section 3 of the New York State Public Officers Law. The law, as proposed, would permit the city manager, city engineer, city assessor, and superintendent of public works to reside outside of Watertown, provided they live in a neighboring county.
Velasquez made sure to clarify that his opposition isn’t personal. “These dedicated public servants are doing a good job, in my opinion,” he stated. But he insisted that physically living in the city is a sign of true commitment. “By establishing residence within the city, they would show that they are fully invested in Watertown and its residents and that they can respond promptly to any emergencies.”
He cited local realities that every North Country resident knows too well—ice storms, lake-effect blizzards, water main ruptures—as proof that proximity matters. “Our city must have dedicated employees who are available at a moment’s notice,” Velasquez emphasized.
His comments arrive as the issue stirs debate across City Hall and among voters. Some see the measure as a necessary step to widen the hiring pool for specialized leadership roles, while others share Velasquez’s concern that it signals a growing detachment between city leadership and the community they serve.
The Watertown Post appreciates Velasquez’s candor and his call for civic commitment. However, in our recent endorsements for the upcoming City Council election, we threw our support behind Lisa Ruggiero and Colin Burns. Ruggiero, a seasoned leader and one of the only candidates to back Donald Trump in a city split nearly 50/50 in the last election, brings a strong sense of representation to the council. Burns offers a forward-thinking vision, youth, and a willingness to engage with alternative media and bold ideas for Watertown’s future.
The Watertown Post views Velasquez’s stance as a good start—an encouraging sign that he’s thinking independently and isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. Whether or not that earns him a seat at the table this election remains to be seen, but his position on residency raises a valid point: if you’re going to help run Watertown, you ought to live in Watertown. In the end, where you hang your hat may matter just as much as how you vote.