Saugus selectman adds amendments to conflict of interest bylaw

SAUGUS – Selectman Steve Castinetti presented his own amendments to the conflict of interest bylaws the Board of Selectmen drafted following the investigation of the selectman. The language prohibiting elected officials and municipal employees from participating in matters where he or she may have a financial interest was up for a board vote at Tuesday?s meeting to be put on the Special Town Meeting warrant, where voters will decide whether to add it to the town bylaw. Castinetti said his name might as well be added to the language.?In my opinion, this is nothing more than a political grandstand two weeks before the election,” said Castinetti.Castinetti?s amendments went into further detail, proposing that town officials and employees refrain from accepting free food or snacks from town businesses and that the conflict of interest include appointments of relatives, partners, friends and friends of relatives in exchange of support of selectmen.When Castinetti finished reading, one man in the audience applauded.Chairman Michael Serino told Castinetti he would have to wait to officially submit his amendments, and submit them written to the clerk to be discussed at the next meeting on Nov. 12. “It?s not fair to throw it at the board now,” said Serino.?It?s just about as fair as the first one,” Castinetti replied.Castinetti was not the first to speak up against it the language. Selectman Julie Mitchell addressed Serino when she said, “I don?t agree with this. It puts too many restrictions on what someone can do.”The board voted to add the language to the warrant 3-2, with Mitchell and Castinetti voting against it.?3-2, everything is always 3-2,” said Castinetti.