Opposites attract in Saugus

SAUGUS – Political adversaries have found common ground for a good purpose, both at Town Hall and in the community.Politics can be a dividing factor, but not for lifelong Saugus residents Al DiNardo, 49, and Bob Cox, 62.Even though they were on opposite sides of the recall election March 17, in which four of the town?s five selectmen were ousted, DiNardo serves as a guide for Cox, who is blind due to an error that took place during a surgical procedure. DiNardo supported the recall; Cox did not. Both are Town Meeting members.DiNardo, while driving Cox home one night around three years ago, told Cox to call him if he ever needed anything. And the friendship blossomed from there.DiNardo drives Cox to and from Town Hall meetings, escorts him to the podium when he gets up to speak, and also brings him to social events at DiNardo?s house and elsewhere.They met eight years ago when they become Town Meeting members, but worked closely together once Janet Leuci, a Town Meeting member who helped Cox, died.Attorney Peter Rossetti (who sits on several committees), Bob Long (Town Meeting member), Arthur Grabowski (School Committee member) and Cox?s family also assist.DiNardo, who identifies himself as a born-again Christian, said Christians are called to love one another. Cox identifies himself as a Catholic.?Sometimes love is fighting a battle to get people to see something they otherwise wouldn?t,” DiNardo said. “Christians are called to a righteous battle, and I feel led to help him.”Cox said they?re good friends as well as neighbors.?When I offered to help him initially, I was serious,” DiNardo said. “He knows I?m a person of my word.”Cox said they share many things in common: economics (they?re both stock market shareholders), mutual acquaintances in town and simply the love of reminiscing about old stories. Cox was the vice president of logistics for Future Electronics out of Bolton before he retired; DiNardo owns DiNardo Landscaping, Inc. out of Saugus.Cox has DiNardo?s number on speed dial in case he falls down the stairs, and he said they talk frequently.?One of the easiest things to happen when people become blind, or are disabled in general, is isolation,” Cox said. “But I never feel awkward around him, even though there is an age difference.”DiNardo said his inspiration to help stems from the Biblical passage Mark 3:25: “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”Cox said DiNardo is a good example of seeking the betterment of the town.?Without him, I?d have a lot of difficulty,” Cox said. “He?s important to me. If he says to do something, I do it.”When DiNardio is not around, he asks, “Anyone heading my way?” to guide him along.