Seeds planted in Saugus for Crabtree decision

SAUGUS – Two nights before Halloween, suspended Town Manager Scott Crabtree could face his own witching hour as the Board of Selectmen is expected to vote on a final resolution for his reinstatement or removal.Based on interviews Monday with a random sampling of town residents, Crabtree has his share of support, despite a three-month suspension prompted by a list of nine allegations presented by the selectmen on Sept. 15.”They’ve destroyed his life,” said resident Rob Bagley. “If you’re going to destroy somebody’s life, how can you do so when there is nothing criminal against him?”Bagley pointed out that, until last month, no disciplinary action had been taken against Crabtree. He added that prior to Crabtree’s being named town manager in 2012, town officials would frequently tap into the town’s emergency fund for reasons that were not urgent in nature. However, that has not been the case under Crabtree.”Since Scott has been in office, there’s been a lot of transparency,” he said.Although there is a great amount of passion regarding the proceedings, Bagley urged fellow Saugonians to behave “in a manner that does not hurt our cause. Scott’s supporters have been criticized for acting out of character,” he said.Ed Wawrzynowicz said that although he respects Save Saugus PAC, the organization advocating for a recall of the four selectmen who voted to suspend Crabtree, “the enthusiasm is misdirected.””This current board has done nothing wrong,” he said. “The recall shouldn’t even be happening.”Wawrzynowicz pointed out that a recall election bears a $20,000 price tag that could be avoided if residents wait until next November’s scheduled election.Ryan Clapp said he “had no idea” what has been unfolding in the town’s government.”I don’t really have enough information at the moment,” he said.However, he said he was not surprised, citing the town’s lack of education funding and the embezzlement of $800,000 by former library employee Linda Duffy. “I say Saugus has gone downhill in the past couple years,” said Clapp.Mark Couture said that although he does not typically get involved in political matters, he had heard enough about the board’s actions to compel him to sign the recall petition.Charlie Thomas said he would like to know more of the logic behind the board’s actions.”I want to know the reasons why they want to fire the town manager,” he said. “From what I hear, he has failed.”Thomas lauded the efforts of Selectmen Chair Ellen Faiella. “Ellen Faiella is the best chairperson in all the years,” he said, adding that she “runs a good meeting.”Sharon Todisco said Saugus “used to be a nice place to live,” but she thinks the board has caused that to change. She added that although Crabtree did not work well with the selectmen, he never had any hidden agendas, acting only in the town’s best interest.”I don’t think it’s right to get rid of Crabtree,” she said. “It’s a disgrace, really.”