Twelve candidates are vying for five seats on the Board of Selectmen in the November election.
Scott Brazis, Jeff Cicolini, Debra Panetta, and Jennifer D’Eon are seeking re-election for their third term on the Board of Selectmen. But Selectman Mark Mitchell is sitting this one out.
Mitchell, 49, is one of two former employees of the Boston Center for Adult Education accused of stealing more than $1.7 million from the nonprofit.
Mitchell pleaded “not guilty” to allegations that he wrote unauthorized checks to himself and others, used the company’s money to fund his participation in golf tournaments, and to cover expenses related to a youth baseball team he owns and operates in Saugus. He is also accused of misusing his political campaign funds for personal expenses unrelated to his campaign.
Mitchell did not return calls seeking comment.
Voters can also support challengers Anthony Cogliano Sr., Alberto Morgante, Corinne Riley, Paul Allan, Christopher Jones, Michael Serino, Domenic Montano, and Michael Coller in the Nov. 5 election.
Coller is listed as a candidate for both the Board of Selectmen and School Committee race.
Jeanette Meredith, Linda Gaieski, and Marc Magliozzi are running for re-election to the School Committee against challengers John S. Hatch, William Marchand Jr., Arthur Grabowski, Joseph Gould, Ryan Fisher, Thomas Whitteredge, Darren Ring, and Coller.
School Committee members Liz Marchese and Lisa Morgante told The Item in August they would not run for another term on the board. A divide between members became clear after the panel voted to lay off the School Department’s custodians and hire a private cleaning company. The board voted 3-2 on the issue in June with Morgante and Marchese opposed.
“I hope whoever gets into office is able to work together as a committee,” said Morgante. “They don’t necessarily have to agree on everything, just respect one another’s opinions and give anyone the opportunity to be heard.”
