Group aims to recall Saugus selectmen

SAUGUS – A group of 36 residents has formed Save Saugus PAC in an effort to propel a recall of members of the Saugus Board of Selectmen, in part because of their suspension of Town Manager Scott Crabtree.Board of Assessors member Mark Mitchell has been named the group’s chairman.He said the core purpose of Save Saugus is “to provide people with an opportunity to decide whether this group of four selectmen are acting in the best interest of Saugus.”He was referring to Chairman Ellen Faiella, Vice Chairman Maureen Dever and members Stephen Castinetti and Paul Allan. Throughout the process, Selectman Debra Panetta has consistently supported Crabtree, so she is the only board member not subject to possible recall.Mitchell explained that Save Saugus will be meeting every week to push the recall forward.He said that although he and Acting Town Manager Michael Murphy have worked well together in the past on the Board of Assessors, he does not believe that the selectmen should have chosen Murphy to step in for Crabtree.”I disagree with Mike Murphy’s appointment as acting town manager,” said Mitchell. “Mike is not an officer of the town, therefore, per our Town Counsel, is not legally allowed to fill that role.”However, Town Meeting member Peter Manoogian, also part of Save Saugus, said he does not foresee any conflicts arising between Mitchell and Murphy.”That’s nothing new,” he said, adding that he expects they will work in concert for the good of the town despite having opposing viewpoints.Manoogian explained that Save Saugus was not formed just for the exclusive purpose of recalling Faiella, Dever, Castinetti and Allan.”They can contribute beyond this issue,” he said of the group, adding that it will continue to exist in the long term.However, Manoogian pointed out that even if Save Saugus has the desired effect, it will take time for the town to recover and begin moving forward again.”For the immediate issue to die, it’s a two-year cycle,” he said.Town Meeting member Al DiNardo, another Save Saugus member, said residents need to be reminded that they elected this group of selectmen, thus entrusting them with the authority to act on their behalf.However, he reiterated that residents also have the right to be heard.”We have created this PAC to be a conduit for that,” he said. “The PAC was started in order to inform the citizens of their rights under our Town Charter.”Town Meeting member Robert Long, who is not part of the group, said Save Saugus is “jumping the gun” in moving for a recall before the selectmen have had the opportunity to explain the nine allegations they have filed against Crabtree.”They’re not doing democracy or town government any favors,” he said of Save Saugus.Save Saugus can be reached at [email protected] or at 781-233-1900.The group’s next meeting is Sunday at 7 p.m. at DiNardo’s house, 199 Essex St.