Gloves come off in selectman race

SAUGUS – The campaign for Saugus Board of Selectmen got personal this election season, as one incumbent?s integrity and another?s background were called into question.With five seats and every selectman running for re-election, plus five challengers, many of whom are active in town, the race has had plenty of drama.Selectman Steve Castinetti faced an investigation that was begun Chairman Michael Serino, accusing Castinetti of pressuring town residents and business owners into buying Yellowbook ads, which he sells for his day job, in exchange for favorable votes. The investigation, which Castinetti called a “political grandstand” by Serino, led to an article on the November Special Town Meeting warrant that will limit all town officials on potential conflicts of interest. The article was approved in a 3-2 vote. Voting against the measure with Castinetti was Selectman Julie Mitchell because she did not agree with its restrictions.Selectman Stephen Horlick came under fire from town residents for several assault and battery charges, all of which have been dismissed. According to Saugus Police, Mike Downing is facing formal charges for posting Horlick?s arrest record on a Facebook page called “No More Horlick,” because police said the information appears to have been illegally obtained.Horlick, along with selectmen Debra Panetta and Serino, have become the board?s voting majority. In the meantime, the challengers have tried to make their case for why they should be elected:? Paul Allen has called for looking at regionalization for better services in town, and more resident involvement in town.? Maureen Dever has called for more citizens to be able to have their voices heard during the resident comment period of the selectmen meetings.? Ellen Faiella has scolded the board for losing sight of who they represent and for pushing for a charter change without seeking approval from the voters.? Joshua Jake Greenstein said his main purpose for running is to represent people in their 30s, whom he believes are largely ignored.? Newcomer Gary Sund supports the town in paying off its debt quickly to prepare itself for a new high school.The pressure is on for all candidates not only to be elected, but to gain the greatest number of votes in case ballot Question 1 is approved by voters. If it passes, staggered elections would be introduced in Saugus next year. The fifth place finisher on Tuesday would only serve until April 2014, while the third- and fourth-place finishers would serve until April 2015. First- and second-place finishers would serve until April 2016. The system would ensure that no more than two selectmen and two School Committee members would be up for re-election in any one year, with terms lasting three years.The face of the School Committee will change no matter the outcome of the race, with only four incumbents running for re-election. Longtime incumbent Wendy Reed, the former chairman, brings experience to the committee, knowing well that the most important skill a member can have is “good listening skills” and communication.Incumbent Arthur Grabowski is calling for measurable accountability, with more assessments for teachers and a tighter budget from administrators.Classroom size is the largest issue facing the schools, according to incumbent Joseph Malone. Malone said the School Department has done a good job bringing a lot of the Special Education out-of-district placement students back into the fold by offering services within the schools.Incumbent Corrine Riley said the school?s aging facilities are hindering the students? learning, and said she would advocate for the new high school if re-elected.Among the challengers, Vincent Serino said his experience as an active volunteer with Saugus athletics makes him a good choice for School Committee.Christopher Aversa, the youngest candidate at 23, said he would like to see more transparency from the school system, “going back to the missing principal,” Joseph Diorio.Jeanette