Marilyn Petitto Devaney

Marilyn Petitto Devaney is an American politician, serving as a member of the Massachusetts Governor's Council. She is the oldest member of the council. Devaney is a former member of the Watertown, Massachusetts City Council.

Recordings of Governor's Council Meetings
During the Covid-19 Pandemic, the council's meetings were held virtually and live-streamed free to the general public. In March, 2022 the Governor's Council ended the live-streaming of their once a week meetings. Devaney was the sole councilor to call upon the council to reinstate virtual public access to the meeting. Following support from councilors Eileen Duff and Mary Hurley, the live stream was restored starting on April 20, 2022.

Curling iron incident
In 2007, Devaney attempted to purchase several products at a salon in Watertown. When the clerk told Devaney that she would need to present a valid drivers license to pay with a check, Devaney attempted to use her position on the Council to get around presenting an ID. When the clerk informed Devaney it was impossible to complete the transaction in the computer system without entering in details from a license, Devaney threw a curling iron at her.

Devaney later attempted to subpoena a reporter from the Watertown Tab & Press, seeking to determine how she obtained a copy of the police report from the incident.

Mailbox incident
On August 24, 2020 Devaney was alleged to have gone through mail in her neighbor's mailbox during the night of August 22, 2020 at 10:50pm. On a call with the Watertown Police Department, Councilor Devaney claimed she did not fiddle with their mail, only pushing a piece of mail back into the box that was sticking out. The council member later told the State House News Service that she required cement work done on a sidewalk and was searching for the home of a previously hired contractor. Devaney later reversed her statement, denying that she had ever gone into the mailbox, despite video surveillance footage circulating online. The Watertown police had the case forwarded to the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Erroneous claims of endorsement
In 2022, Devaney claimed she had been endorsed by Congressman Jim McGovern and State Auditor candidate Chris Dempsey. Both denied endorsing her.

Conflict with other councilors
During the September 13, 2023 meeting, Councilor Devaney interrupted Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, who chairs the Governor's Council, with a prepared speech. Devaney alleged five of her six colleagues arranged a boycott of a September 6th public comment session she had held regarding the Kenny Jean pardon. Following a back and forth between Devaney and Councilor Kennedy, Councilor Paul DePalo motioned to establish a new rules committee for the Governor's Council.

Results
Devaney ran unopposed in the 2022 General Election.

Devaney had no challengers in the 2018 General Election or 2020 Democratic Primary and general election.

Devaney faced no opposition in the 2016 General Election.

Devaney faced no opponents on the ballot in the 2008 Governor's Council District 3 General Election.

Devaney had no opponents in the 2002, 2004, and 2006 Democratic primaries and General Elections.