RESCO main topic of concern at Saugus selectmen hopefuls forum

SAUGUS – Saugus selectman candidate George DeDomenico said the next Board of Selectmen should demand the closing of the RESCO ash landfill, as the controversial trash incinerator took center stage at the Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment?s candidates night Wednesday.?This community has taken the brunt of an awful lot of RESCO?s behavior ?” said DeDomenico. “And in most cases I don?t feel they?re a very good community neighbor. At some point this among other things has to close.”Members of SAVE asked all 11 candidates three randomly selected questions and many of them had to deal with RESCO.Debra Panetta said she would “never support” a third burner at RESCO.?I?d be concerned about the amount of ash that goes out,” said Panetta. “I?m concerned about the dioxins that come out of the incinerator process? and it?s a huge concern not only for Saugus but for the surrounding communities as well.”Steve Castinetti also said he wouldn?t support expanding RESCO.?If it does become an issue, I certainly would not support a third burner,” said Castinetti. “I wouldn?t support any expansion whatsoever with anything going on at RESCO right now especially in light of the recent legal ramifications.”Sean Maltais said he would never support a trash fee and pointed to RESCO as his reason.?I have voted against every single trash fee? in my three consecutive terms (as a Town Meeting member),” said Maltais. “And I will continue to do so as long as that plant and that ash fill is in this town.”RESCO wasn?t the only issue discussed Wednesday: Julie Mitchell said she would support planting more trees around Saugus.?I feel we need to plant more trees in our town,” said Mitchell. “We have a lot of trees that are very old and need to be replaced. I would love to see the town replace some of the older trees.”Selectman Michael Serino discussed ways to reduce bottled water use.?The bottle bill will not include sports drinks, juices and bottled water,” said Serino. “Hopefully it will cut down on the bottled water use. It is a problem and I would support the legislation for the bottle bill.”Mike Downing said it?s important to maintain the town?s open spaces.?Open spaces need to stay open,” said Downing. “There should be no encroachment on any of the areas we have left and there are only a few. I?m all for business, but where it?s properly supposed to be.”Current selectman Stephen Horlick said he would support measures to increase alternative energy use in Saugus.?(Communities) are getting alternative-powered vehicles for cities and towns that run on propane or run on alternate fuel sources,” said Horlick. “That?s something this board should be looking into.”Matthew Canterbury said he?d like to see Saugus take more of an initiative with environment issues.?I don?t think we have a direction or a vision,” said Canterbury. “We need to put together a very precise plan. We need to have input from all the different agencies and departments from throughout the entire town.”Selectman Scott Crabtree discussed his vision for the future of the Aggregate Quarry.?Leaving it with water creates a hazard,” said Crabtree. “We could put solar panels or alternative energy sources at the location. If you do it right and plan ahead then the options are unlimited.”Robert Cox talked about how he would increase recycling if elected.?People have to know what the cost is to themselves and the community to not recycle,” said Cox. “I also strongly believe in incentive programs. You get a lot more with sugar than with vinegar.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected]. You can follow him on Twitter @MattTempesta.