Election forces Save Saugus chair to resign

SAUGUS – Save Saugus Chair Mark Mitchell has resigned and will be replaced by 83-year-old Saugus resident Arthur Gustafson.Town Clerk Ellen Schena informed Mitchell, 44, of the town ordinance last week that would prohibit him from remaining in his position while seeking to replace Selectman Stephen Castinetti in next month?s recall election.?It is impermissible, under Massachusetts Campaign Finance Laws, for a candidate to be an officer of the PAC,” Mitchell said. “That is the sole reason I stepped down, to comply with the law.”Gustafson has experience as a former selectman and assessor. He is also involved with the Saugus Lions Club, Knights of Columbus and Blessed Sacrament Parish, Mitchell said. Gustafson worked as an attorney and served during the Korean War.Saugus residents often find Gustafson around town in Cliftondale Square with the “vote yes to recall” sign, wearing a shamrock hat.?The PAC had less than 30 days to collect signatures … and they collected more than they needed. I?m sympathetic to their cause,” Gustafson said.?He (Gustafson) is quite articulate in describing how the current Board of Selectmen behaved in the run up to the termination of (former town manager) Scott Crabtree – something we both feel has exposed Saugus to unnecessary financial risk,” Mitchell said.That?s why the PAC asked Gustafson to serve in this capacity, Mitchell said.Gustafson supports the PAC because, he said, the current Board of Selectmen didn?t properly remove Crabtree. He said he doesn?t dislike the selectmen, he just doesn?t like what they did.Gustafson graduated from Saugus High in 1949, and went on to attend Northeastern University.Gustafson said he filed a letter with Schena informing her of his new role Feb. 5.At 83, he is surprised he was offered the position.?I?m on my way to Riverside Cemetery,” Gustafson joked. “I?m in a different age bracket than everyone. I?m no spring chicken.”The PAC will hold a rally, where Gustafson will make a speech introducing himself to the PAC members, tonight at 7. The recall election will take place March 17.