Husband, father, musician, activist and Village of Marcellus Trustee Joe Watts is The Marcellus News2025 Person of the Year. -News Photo
by Kay Schten McAdam,Editor
“It’s not about winning; it’s about having your voice heard.” – Joe Watts, The Marcellus News 2025 Person of the Year
I know Joe Watts. Joe Watts is a friend of mine. Joe Watts is what some folks refer to as a “transplant.”
If you search the term “transplant” using AI, the definition comes back Transplants are vital because they save lives and drastically improve quality of life for people with failing organs, offering a second chance at normal, active lives.
The Marcellus Village Council is a failing organ as made evident by the lack of resolution to #SidewalkGate. True, the Village is now in litigation over the issue, but what is that doing for the Village right here, right now? What are “they,” The Council, doing for the Village right here, right now?
In November 2024, Watts, the transplant, was elected to the Village Council as a write-in candidate. Why would anyone want to jump into that mire?
He just wanted to be heard. The business, Electric Moon, he and his wife Erica own at the corner of Main and Centre, was being negatively impacted by the sidewalk “beautification” project that ultimately eliminated accessibility into theirs and others’ building.
“Basically, it was not having a voice,” Watts said. “I was frustrated as a property and business owner in town. We weren’t getting answers to parts of the sidewalk issues that were raised at Village Council meetings. It led me to even entertain this idea. It was ‘okay, this is what we’ve got to do.’”
“What we’ve got to do” turned into a quick turnaround of throwing one’s hat in the ring as a write-in candidate three weeks prior to the general election.
Technically, all he needed was one vote to win so the double-digit votes cast in his favor were a welcome cushion.
Who is this guy?
According to Larry Joe Watts, “I was born in the 70s. I’m a musician, husband, father, community activist. I never considered being a public official until this point.
“I don’t have a college education, but I believe you can never stop learning. Life’s toolbox is always open.”
One year later, the Electric Moon building at 101 E. Main is up for sale. Watts confirms, though, that he and his family are not going anywhere. As a vendor of an array of goods, he can continue to make those available to shoppers at public events and festivals. Unfortunately, it means one less business open on Main Street.
One year later, Watts is finding his groove, so to speak, on the Council, a position he has no intention of abandoning.
For those who’ve attended Village Council meetings or have watched the livestreams on 1620am’s Facebook page, it’s readily apparent that Watts is there to ask questions, seek accountability and transparency, and have his voice heard.
“It’s obvious after a year of being on the Council that if I was just down here on the corner as a property owner or someone who lives in the village, I would not hear any updates on the sidewalk situation. I only have the knowledge because, as a trustee, I’ve had the ability to hear [information] during closed sessions and special meetings. That has given me knowledge.”
While Watts’s questions, comments, and opinions may not be welcomed by all, he does say that there are times when he does see hope.
“In perspective as I look at the past year, I think, ‘wow, that’s pretty amazing,’ that I can see a little bit of progress has been made. I’ve expressed what needs to be said. And you know what, you’re not supposed to win them all. That’s not the reason you get in this.
“The reality is you get into this is to help and be part and have a voice, have an opinion. And when it comes time to vote on something, if you’re on the short end of the draw, it’s okay; you’ve had your say.”
There’s more to Watts than the recognizable headgear and lanky swagger. He is a volunteer, event organizer and music instructor.
Each week, he helps unload the trucks for the Marcellus Community Food Pantry. He was an instrumental volunteer in the refurbishment of Ray Gyllstrom Memorial Park. He’s conducted tie-dye workshops and children’s music workshops at Patch & Remington and will conduct a percussion workshop at the library December 29.
When the Watts moved to Marcellus roughly three years ago from Spokane, Washington, Joe brought with him an idea to raise money for the local food pantry. In Spokane, it was “Street Music Week,” but Watts felt that a one evening event would be more realistic in our small, rural community. From that idea, Food for the Soul was born on September 13, 2025.
The event exceeded expectations raising over $5,000 for the Food Pantry.
Watts’ vision for Marcellus is one most residents, business and property owners are likely to agree on.
“Naturally, people downtown walking, shops open, a variety of independent entrepreneurs taking their chance. I think the Village needs to be welcoming and extending a ‘hey, we appreciate you being here, we’re happy to have you here.’
“Part of that is the walkability of the streets. We need food [burger and a beer]. Just give us one. Part of the vision of this is that people want to be out in town. It’s frustrating to be in town and to see some people come out and be supportive of all the different events but, at the same time, it’s frustrating that it’s the same people when you know there are fifty other people on your side of town that could easily walk to downtown. I want that. That’s what is missing. The way to do that is have more shops and food.”
And, according to Watts, art.
“It’s been proven time and again, if you allow art to flourish everything else will build around it. The art is what makes things flourish. We have that hub at Patch & Remington. Now it’s just getting the bar, the restaurant, food access whatever that is, and then accessibility to walk.”
Watts acknowledges his responsibility in seeking a pathway to a positive, professional, and productive future for the Village.
“You’re the voice of your constituents. It’s not about winning; it’s about having your voice heard.”
For his willingness to be a voice in what has seemed like a wilderness, The Marcellus News is proud to recognize Joe Watts as its 2025 Person of the Year.
One more thing, Joe, go for the win.
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