Saugus FinCom member resigns

SAUGUS – Saugus Finance Committee member Dave Castellarin is resigning from his post because he is moving to Middleton with his family.?It was a learning experience,” said Castellarin, who is the town accountant in Swampscott. “It was the first time serving on the committee and getting to see it from the other side. I?m always on one side, now I got to see it from the other side. I hope that I helped out and that I helped the rest of the committee with the questions I asked that they might not have asked.”Town Moderator Bob Long appointed Castellarin in January, a move that was controversial in Saugus as some called it political because he had previously applied for the Town Manager job. Long was also criticized for not publicly advertising the position.Castellarin said his resignation is effective July 31 and he?ll be moving at the end of August. He noted he didn?t think his appointment was “political at all.”?I can understand it …” he said. “I don?t think you were going to find a more qualified person than me, even if they advertised, with my experience of 23 years with it. I was happy to help out and do what I can for the town.”Finance Committee Chairman Robert Palleschi said despite the controversy, he didn?t have any problem with Castellarin.?He wasn?t what people were afraid he was going to be,” said Palleschi. “He didn?t carry a grudge into the Finance Committee whatsoever. In fact, I found him very, very helpful because he had experience in Swampscott so I could bounce things off of him. I?m actually going to miss him.”Town Meeting member Al DiNardo was critical of Long?s choice in January and on Friday said he?s “not surprised that he?s moved on.”?It?s interesting to see who the moderator picks,” said DiNardo. “We need people that care about Saugus that are going to stay in Saugus, that?s what we need. I went to most of the FinComm and he was very informative. He?s capable. But my point now… if the moderator would take my advice and do a public search, we might be able to get someone the same caliber as Mr. Castellarin, if not better.”Long said Friday he doesn?t have anybody in mind yet for the position, but noted he will publicly advertise the opening.?This is a totally open position,” he said. “I have no preconceived ideas of who I want.”Long said any qualified resident can submit applications to him care of the Town Clerk.Long also thanked Castellarin for the time her served, even though it was so short.?Who wouldn?t put a great asset like that on the Finance Committee?” said Long. “But one thing it does do is blow away the idea that he was a ?manager in waiting.? Those are the words Al DiNardo used. He wasn?t there for that purpose. I?m just sorry it came to an end so quickly.”