Saugus charter board to meet

SAUGUS – If you think no one cares about your concerns, complaints or questions regarding town government, the newly formed Charter Commission wants to hear from you.The Charter Commission will hold a public hearing Wednesday, Dec. 19 where residents are invited to come in and have their say on anything government related.Residents voted to form a Charter Commission during the Nov. 6 election. The group, chaired by Peter Manoogian, is charged with looking at the present charter and determining if it should be changed, altered or modified in any way. As part of making such a determination the commission will hold several public hearings so it can take its direction from the public.”They get to say what they like and what they don’t like about the current government,” Manoogian said. “It’s their chance to have their say.”He said they could voice their opinions on anything from possible conflict of interest matters regarding public employees serving on Town Meeting, whether certain boards or positions should be elected or appointed, if terms of office for, for example, Selectmen and Town Meeting should be staggered so everyone isn’t re-elected every two years.”It’s all on the table,” he said.The commission first met on Nov. 15 where it voted a slate of officers and set a meeting schedule. While Manoogian was named Chairman, Debra Panetta was named vice-chairman, Karen Cote will serve as clerk and Eugene Decareau will act as treasurer.The committee has weekly meetings lined through December including the forum. According to state law it must hold a public hearing within 45 days of the election as well. Manoogian said what makes it tough given the November election is that it bumps up against Christmas. Still, he is hoping for a good turnout on the 19th and is hopeful the public will attend other meetings as well.The commission will meet Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Library conference room and Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall auditorium. The public hearing will be held Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall auditorium and the committee will meet one more time before the end of the year on Dec. 27 at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall auditorium.Manoogian reiterated that he feels it’s important that citizens, elected officials, and appointed board and committee members all come forward to offer their opinion on the workings of the town.”It won’t be the only public hearing,” he added. “This is just the first. It’s everyone’s chance to finally have their say.”