Saugus official resigns over recall

SAUGUS – He oversaw town elections for 20 years, but when it came to the one that could send four selectmen packing, Board of Registrars member Gary Butt refused to be a party to it.”If you think this recall process is good for our town, you need to have your head examined,” he said in his Nov. 14 resignation letter to the Board of Selectmen.Chairman Ellen Faiella, Vice Chairman Maureen Dever, Stephen Castinetti and Paul Allan will be subject to the recall stemming from the board’s 4-1 vote on Oct. 29 to terminate former Town Manager Scott Crabtree. Selectman Debra Panetta cast the lone vote in favor of Crabtree and will not be included in the recall.Butt said that under the Town Charter, he must “comply with all the requirements of law relating to elections.” However, he said that falls in “stark contrast” with the opinion rendered by Town Counsel John Vasapolli.”In fact, I find the differences untenable,” said Butt.He did not elaborate any further on the details of the rift between him and Vasapolli.Although he never had an appetite for politics, Butt joined the board after much convincing from former Selectmen Chairman Clayton Trefry.”He told me it would be fun,” Butt said.Town Meeting member Bill Brown said he and Butt grew up together. “He is one of the nicest people you ever want to meet,” said Brown.However, he said that the differences between Butt and Vasapolli were too great regarding the upcoming recall.”I think he was a little frustrated with town counsel,” said Brown. “This whole recall is a huge mistake.”Board of Registrars Chairman Joanne Rappa said she and Butt had served on the board together for 18 years.”I have the utmost respect for Mr. Butt and his decision to leave the board at this time,” she said. “I am sure that he did not make the decision lightly.”Rappa cited intuition as one of Butt’s greatest strengths.”Gary has always had the desire to research and analyze situations as they arise and this recall election is no exception,” she said.Town Meeting member Robert Long said he had never met Butt until three years ago when he went before Town Meeting to speak about staggered elections.”Only now with Gary resigning does anyone know who he is,” said Long. “He must be seriously upset for him to do that. This has been going on all fall.”