Itemlive offers Web site for election in Saugus

SAUGUS – In an effort to fully inform readers about the election, The Daily Item today launches a Web site dedicated solely to the issues in Saugus.It is generally candidates who drive an election but this year most election buzz has been centered on a wholesale proposed charter change. After more than a year’s worth of work an 11-member panel led by Peter Manoogian has put together a proposed town charter that, if approved by the voters, would replace Town Meeting with a 27-member Town Assembly, which would include six at-large candidates but exclude town employees, bring in staggered elections and form a Licensing Board separate from selectmen.It is not the only hot race in town, however. With 11 candidates and a few hot button issues, the race for selectmen is also heating up. Violence tied to area nightclubs has many town officials and residents on edge, board members are being pressured to roll back hours of operations, take a stand on the proposed charter and defend their place or desired place on the board.Also in the race are six candidates for School Committee, two for Housing Authority and Town Meeting members, some of whom may find themselves out of a seat should the charter pass.Election Day is Nov. 3 and Oct. 14 is the last day to register. The Town Clerk’s office will be open for voter registration until 8 p.m. on that day.To learn more about the Saugus election, including the proposed charter, profiles on each of this year’s candidates and a map of polling places, visit www.itemlive/sauguselect.