Saugus man slams Saugus TV

SAUGUS – While many in Saugus have slammed the proposed rule changes for the Saugus Cable Television Station, one resident spoke in favor of the controversial rulebook at Tuesday night?s selectmen meeting.Thomas Lucey said he was “a little disappointed” that selectmen did not pass a provision that would require anyone making derogatory remarks about someone else to provide five days notice.?What happened with me and Saugus Cable TV was just so bad it prompted me to come here and talk about it,” said Lucey during Tuesday?s citizens forum. “Particularly with Executive Director Rich Garabedian and board member Mike Downing. I don?t know why it wasn?t voted here.”Selectmen voted to refer a vote on the handbook back to the SCTS Board of Directors after residents voiced concerns about First Amendment rights with regards to the notification provision.However, Lucey, who has been a frequent subject on Downing?s show “Downin? Town,” said the original writing in the handbook is warranted due to “illegal and deceptive behavior.”?It protects the community from people like Mike Downing and Rich Garabedian from invading our privacy and going onto our property, harassing our family members, slandering us and libeling us in front of the whole community,” said Lucey. “I think if you put that through I think at least it would give us a little relief ? I?m really upset and kind of disappointed.”In a letter to selectmen from July, Lucey said Downing and Garabedian went to his home to ask him questions about messages he sent to Downing on his blog. Lucey?s mother answered the door and Downing and her discussed the messages on video, which was aired on “Downin? Town” episode 69 in February. Lucey?s mother?s face was blurred out in the episode.On Wednesday, Downing compared going to Lucey?s home to news media going to a person?s house for a reaction.?It?s OK in the press, and we?re basically a news show, but a mockumentary almost,” said Downing. “It?s not an invasion of privacy to knock on someone?s door. This has been two years and (Lucey) just can?t let it go. I really don?t know what to say to him.”Despite all the controversy surrounding his show and SCTS, Downing said he doesn?t regret going to Lucey?s home.?He sent so many nasty emails that when I found out who he was, I just wanted him to face on camera that he was caught,” said Downing.Downing also derided the five-day notice provision, saying if the Board of Directors does pass it, he?ll head to the station immediately to tape a show.?Normal people don?t support it,” said Downing. “It?s bigger than just stupid me.”Selectmen Chairman Michael Serino said Tuesday he thinks SCTS is “moving in the right direction” after selectmen appointed a new Board of Directors.The SCTS Board of Directors will be meeting next week to discuss the handbook.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].