Saugus squabble shaded by Crabtree

SAUGUS – Newly reinstated Saugus Town Manager Scott Crabtree says his No. 1 priority, now that he is back in office, is to move the town forward.He also said that dropping his lawsuit against the only town that he has ever known – with a potential liability cost of $1.6 million – was in the best interest of Saugus in that it would save the town from having to dole out that amount.Through this experience and passing time, he has learned some things.?I have learned about the importance of recognizing loyalty and compassion,” Crabtree said. “I have also learned that the people of Saugus are perceptive and want a community they can be proud of. I am more committed than ever before to moving Saugus to be the community we all know it can and should be. It is an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of the town I live and grew up in.?Crabtree was terminated last October after the previous board – Chair Ellen Faiella, Vice Chair Maureen Dever, Stephen Castinetti, Debra Panetta and Paul Allan – accused him of not cooperating with it.He believes he?ll be able to work with the new Board of Selectmen, elected as a result of the recall, Chair Debra Panetta, Vice Chair Scott Brazis, Jennifer D?Eon, Mark Mitchell and Jeffrey Cicolini. Crabtree noted he is grateful that Saugus? voters responded for him in such an overwhelming manner.?The professional backgrounds and practical experience present on the new board will serve Saugus well,” Crabtree said. “I see five individuals who respect each other and the residents, and who are committed to providing leadership on critical issues, such as a new high school, a capital improvement plan and strengthening our financial position even further. I sense they will recognize their role and responsibility in our form of government and neither exceed nor avoid what they are charged with.”Crabtree said he plans to work with the town as a team to do the people?s work, especially this time around. He looks forward to having a collaborative working relationship that includes the selectmen, the Finance Committee, the Town Meeting members, the School Committee and the public-at-large.As far as charges he couldn?t, or wouldn?t, work with the previous board, he feels managers do their best work when the town allows them to manage.Castinetti disagrees. He feels Saugus took one step backwards.?Scott absolutely did not work with us,” Castinetti said. “He only worked with selectmen in his pocket who he could control.”Former chair Faiella said their professional relationship – not personal – was hindered by Crabtree?s decision not to work with the board.?He wasn?t forthcoming in his reports when the board requested them,” Faiella said. “He didn?t cooperate with us through dialogue or items on the agenda for meetings.”Crabtree would prefer to move forward.?It is important that selectmen become advocates for those things that will move Saugus in a positive direction,” Crabtree said.Crabtree noted this experience has made it tough to find employment since October.?Although I was able to interview, the continual and sustained campaign by former members of the Board of Selectmen to justify their actions by putting forth information that was inaccurate and false did have an effect on prospective employers,” he said. “At times it was difficult to follow the strict advice of my attorneys to not respond or reply to any of the claims made.”But Crabtree said he is grateful to have caught up on family time.A fourth generation Saugonian, he noted the past six months has been hectic on him and his family.?I have had great support from friends, family, and countless Saugus residents, which helped us get through some very straining times,” Crabtree said. “I always had faith in the people of Saugus, the community where I grew up and have chosen to bring up my family. I would like to believe that things happen for a reason and in this regard I believe that I feel a new appreciation and awareness of the good that defines Saugus.”