| Name: Paul H Allan
Age: 57 Occupation: Manager Floor and Décor Education: Business Management Marine Corps Institute, NCO Leadership School United States Marine Corps, Saugus High School Class of 1980 What is the most important issue facing the Board of Selectmen, and how would you address it? We need a capital improvement plan to properly plan/prioritize the needs of Saugus. To properly establish the needs and priorities the residents of Saugus need to be fully involved and vested. We cannot complete this plan without the residents’ input. This requires open public meetings for the planning and execution of the capital improvement plan. The capital improvement plan will dictate the direction of the town budget that will personally affect all taxpayers. Transparency is required when our tax dollars are being spent. MCAS scores is a major issue. We can no longer keep the different boards and committees separated. The Board of Selectmen needs to take ownership of the MCAS scores with the School Committee to determine the budgetary needs of the school district. With the new school ready to open we need to take a realistic look at what is broken and how we are going to fix the issues. We need to go to a line item budget to identify monetary deficiencies and overages. The new building alone will not correct the unacceptable MCAS scores. What three issues are most important to you? A fully implemented capital improvement plan with priorities. cost/funding options and timelines, A new west side fire station. Working with the school department to raise MCAS scores. What expertise do you bring to the table? I have been in leadership roles most of my adult life both professionally and in volunteering positions starting with the United States Marine Corps. After returning home I served as girls softball coach, Cubmaster for Pack 62, explorer post advisor/creator for the Saugus Ranger Post 210, Town Meeting Precinct 3, chairman for the Board of Trustees Saugus Public Library, Economic Development Committee, Board of Selectmen, president of Saugus United Against Substance Abuse (SUASA), executive officer of the Saugus Veterans Council. Former board of selectman member Why are you running? I feel I can help resolve some of the major issues facing Saugus to move us forward. Why should people vote for you? I am ready with the citizens support to roll up my sleeves and work to make Saugus great. Name: Jeffrey Cicolini Age: 47 Occupation: Certified Public Accountant/ Partner & Shareholder at AAFCPAs (220 employee full service CPA/Business advisory firm) and serve on many Board of Directors including Salem State University Foundation. Education: Saugus High School graduate 1990 with High Honors. Salem State University ~ Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting and minor in Economics, graduated Magna Cum Laude, certificate in operational and financial planning and forecasting. I have been on the Board of Selectman since March, 2015 and have been your vice chairman for the past 2 years. What is the most important issue facing the Board of Selectmen, and how would you address it? The most pressing issue that falls under the purview of the Board of Selectman is the need to update our town’s master plan. This is a focus of the current administration given the unprecedented economic growth that we have seen in the past few years. The updated plan will include many items that fall under the board including but not limited to the impact the plan will have on traffic (as we are the traffic commissioners), water and sewer infrastructure (we are the sewer commissioners) as well as overall impact on our public services including public safety and community services. It is critical this plan be thoroughly updated and fully reflect a plan for us to move forward with an economic development plan that includes a plan that allows our infrastructure and investments in public safety to keep pace with the new growth. I fully support a third fire station to cover the west side area of town. What three issues are most important to you? Updating our master plan for the reasons mentioned above; continuing to deploy resources to address the opioid crisis and establishing a final date to close the ash landfill with no more extensions. If an incumbent, what is your biggest accomplishment during your time in office? I remember when I first got involved and began to pay attention to what was happening in Saugus, our town was in financial distress as a result of the past administration. The town was essentially broke, under DOR oversight for many reasons including fraudulent allocations to the water and sewer enterprise accounts and we were facing receivership. The financial turnaround that has taken place in the past 5 years is unprecedented. We went from having no money in our stabilization fund to today having over $10 million. Our bond rating is a AA+ which is one step from the highest level. This is the highest rating in our town’s history. Why is this important? This rating will save our taxpayers $3.5 million dollars on the borrowing for the new school project alone. We have made monumental investments in our water and sewer infrastructure and are no longer under the administrative consent order. We have made the first true investments in parks and playgrounds in the past 40 years. This includes the complete renovation of Bristow park, Veterans memorial school playground and the Evans park as well as new, regulation size tennis courts with lights at the Belmonte middle school. We have been designated a green community and have received over $840,000 in green community grant funding. We have made investments in fleets of new police cruisers, fire apparatus and DPW equipment. We completely renovated and restored the exterior of town hall. We began the Riverwalk project and received seed funding. We worked to help expand and improve the rail trail. The real item I am most proud of is all of these items have been completed without having to ask the taxpayers for a tax override. Unlike our long history where the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” mentality always prevailed, this administration is proactive and because of our strong financial health, we are able to pay for these significant capital investments within our existing operating budget and if we borrow to pay for it, the debt is paid back from our operating budget, not from raising taxes. This is absolutely critical as I am proud that we still have a very affordable tax rate in town given all of the improvements that have taken place. I worked very hard and advocated for the new high school/middle school project. I feel this was needed back when I graduated in 1990. Investing in our children’s future is of paramount importance and it begins with a quality learning environment (new school) and a new district wide education plan which has been deployed. Why are you running? I am running for reelection because I see the progress that has taken place in my tenure and am excited to see it continue. This administration has proven that with collaboration, hard work, transparency and dedication, the sky is the limit. Back in 2015, I promised to restore civility and respect to the board and that is exactly what I have done. The progress is omnipresent and I don’t want to see it stalled Why should people vote for you? I am a fourth generation Saugonian and my wife Julie, also a life-long resident, and I chose to raise our family here in Saugus. I graduated from Saugus High School as did both of our children. I am vested in our town and only want what is best for our residents. The next 2 years will be an important time for Saugus. We will see our new High School/middle school come online and then, with public input, need to decide what is next for the five buildings that will be taken offline. We will update our master plan and then be charged with moving the recommendations of said plan forward. This requires someone with business knowledge and expertise. I hold the highly coveted CPA and CGMA designations. The are more than titles. Each of these represent the commitment I have to business, finance, operations and results. I make a living helping companies of all shapes and sizes improve their financial performance and strengthen their internal controls. I have been doing this successfully for 25 years. My financial acumen and business knowledge is well documented and unmatched. I have proven over the past five years that I do the research, I ask the right questions and then apply my real world business knowledge to make decisions that are always best for Saugus. If you want our progress and financial success to continue. |
Name: Michael A. Coller
Age: Old enough to know what my goals are and young enough to achieve them.
Occupation: Owner / Director MAC Investigations / Security Professional
Education: Bachelor of Science, University of Bridgewater
What three issues are most important to you?
Over Development. It is essential town government maintain a balanced timely influx of housing while conscious of mandated progression in order to avoid over expansion.
We must maintain a solid and rewarding town employee retention program to build a solid team with minimal turnover.
A calculated plan to analyze the liquidity of our remaining school properties and eventually deciding how to utilize the funds or property to benefit the Town.
Traffic, as the result of overdevelopment. This is a great question and I ponder this dilemma every day. Unfortunately, I don’t have a decisive solution at the time of this narrative. Honesty is the better part of valor.
As a Licensed Massachusetts State Police Private Investigator, Guard Company, security professional supported by twenty seven years of policing large corporations and protecting profits, I feel this will surely assist the town and our citizens.
Why are you running?
As a selectman, I will bring integrity, levity and sanctity to our town government.
Why should people vote for you?
See above.
Name: Jennifer E. D’Eon
Age: 43
Occupation: Mass Health Application Case Manager
Education: Bunker Hill Community College Culinary Arts, 1994-1996; North Shore Community College Business, 2014-2015.
If an incumbent, how long have you served?
5 years
What is the most important issue facing the Board of Selectmen and how would you address it?
Traffic is a serious problem in Saugus. We need to conduct a comprehensive traffic design and management plan. Our location and proximity to Boston which is an asset of Saugus comes at the cost of traffic, which impacts public safety’s ability to respond quickly to emergencies and our citizens’ quality of life. You need to be able to drive around your own town safely.
What three issues are most important to you?
Maintaining a small town identity while balancing the need to develop property, attract commerce and collect new tax revenues that pay for the operational budget and capital improvement plan for the town. Prioritizing public safety needs to protect our residents and their homes. We must shelter our residents from increased tax burdens wherever possible. Developers must make meaningful investments in the town to offset the impact on town services, such as contributing to the construction, equipping and staffing of a third fire station.
Protecting what green space is left in Saugus and the ecosystems that are impacted by development. Reverting land into public green space where possible in all 10 precincts. Develop a plan and secure grants to plant new, healthy trees and other plants that are native to Saugus and remove invasive non-native species.
Revitalizing the Cliftondale and Saugus Center by attracting new small businesses, specifically specialty retail shops, restaurants and pubs. These areas need to be pedestrian friendly and have outdoor seating and open areas for town events. Public parking must be addressed in these areas or the businesses will continue to stagnate.
If an incumbent, what is your biggest accomplishment during your time in office?
Opening the renovated playgrounds at the Veterans Memorial Elementary School, Bristow Park, Belmonte Middle School tennis courts were achievements I had been told were not possible. Our citizens made it happen through our shared vision for the youth of Saugus. I look forward to the opening of the newly constructed basketball courts at the Evans School.
Why are you running?
I want to continue the work of improving the town. We have come so far as a community, but there is more work to do. I want to continue serving the town to ensure this progress continues.
Why should people vote for you?
I represent the average Saugus citizen in every way. I’m a parent, wife, homeowner, taxpayer, supporter of youth sports and work every day to contribute to my family. I demand our tax dollars be spent as judiciously as possible to reach our combined vision. If you are happy with the progress Saugus has made and would like it to continue, please cast a vote for me on November 5th, 2019.
Name: Chris Jones
Age: 46
Occupation: Director of Customer Service with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
Education: I am a graduate of Malden Catholic High School, Class of 1990. I also earned a bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Salem State in May of 1995.
If an incumbent, how long have you served?
While I am not an incumbent for the Board of Selectman, I am currently serving on Town Meeting. I am a two-term representative from Precinct One.
What is the most important issue facing the Board of Selectmen and how would you address it?
The building moratorium: In April of 2019, a special Town Meeting was held to discuss and vote on a moratorium on the issuance of building permits for dwellings with three or more units. I felt very strongly to speak in favor of the moratorium. I believe that the two years will enable us to review our new school as well as the traffic congestion on both Route 1 and throughout the streets of Saugus. As a member of the board I will do my due diligence to properly review and ensure that I can make the most informed decision for the town.
It is no secret that housing costs are rising in the Greater Boston area. Look at the surround communities — Revere, Everett, Malden, Medford and others are facing the same situations as we are in Saugus. We have to strike a balance — we want our residents to stay in town, raise their families here and enjoy all the town has to offer. However, if it’s too expensive to live here, they will take their disposable income elsewhere. Additionally, affordable housing is critical in supporting our seniors. Some of these folks cannot afford to stay in the homes they raised their families in and are looking to downgrade — affordable housing can allow them to stay in the town and do so affordably. I think the housing production plan is smart, but has to be implemented strategically and be monitored at every step. We want friendly 40B developments and not hostile ones. We need to ensure that the projects are done right and that they meet our needs — not the financial needs of developers. We have to protect our community.
What three issues are most important to you?
Wheelabrator. Everyone in the town and surrounding communities is talking about it. It is clear that the state doesn’t feel Wheelabrator is impacting our quality of life. At the same time, if the location didn’t exist, there would be certain increases in trash collection and disposal pushed on the town and taxpayers. There has to be common ground that we can meet so that the services the facility provides are environmentally sound, fiscally responsible and stop impacting Saugus residents in negative manners. Something has to give here.
I have heard from residents and also attended the DEP meeting at Saugus High School where residents from Saugus and Revere were able to provide testimony to the DEP against Wheelabrator. Their stories were compelling and offered me great insight into what the community deals with on a daily basis. I would like to work with the Saugus Board of Health and try and work with Wheelabrator towards the common goal for the citizens of Saugus. Ultimately, my job will be to protect Saugus and make sure our community is not impacted negatively.
School Buildings: I think that if/when the town receives the school buildings that they need to do the due diligence with the property and maximize this opportunity. The best use of this property goes hand and hand with a long term community plan. The redistricting plan for our schools is a great opportunity to redeploy town assets. Depending on the size, location and health/wellness of these buildings, there are a number of things we should consider. For example, one location could be used to invest in community programming for seniors and children. We could also look to develop one of these properties for senior living. Affordable housing is critical and we need to support our seniors.
Another option would be to look at the viability of selling the properties to commercial developers who can bring jobs and tax revenue to our town. However this shakes out, the town has a huge opportunity to reposition those buildings to benefit the town financially (which could support funding the fire station and other much needed areas
Transparency and Accountability: We need to instill a higher level of transparency in Saugus. If I am elected to one of the five seats on the Board of Selectmen, I vow to always be accessible to residents and keep you informed about every issue, debate and decision in front of us for consideration.
I realize that the preceding words are just that — words. I encourage you to get to know. If given the chance, you’ll quickly learn that I am a man of my words and that I’m not afraid to make the tough decisions when they need to be made.
I feel as though Saugus is at a crossroads and when elected I will be accountable, transparent and financially responsible and be a voice of reason for the taxpayers of Saugus.
If a challenger, what expertise do you bring to the table?
As for my political career I am a two term representative on Town Meeting for the past 4 years. Four years ago, I felt a strong urge to take my support of the community to another level, serving as a town meeting member from Precinct one. I also have a strong fiscal background.
I am a manager with the Department of Revenue. Over my 22 year career, I have completed complex financial cases and have worked in Customer Service for more than 20 years. Another way that I will make me successful on the board is the hiring and evaluating of staff. When hiring, I need to evaluate thousands of resumes and ensure the best fit for the required needs. When evaluation employees, we have evaluations to track progress versus goals, employee development.
By clearly stating goals and reviewing progress towards those goals on a quarterly basis will ensure our needs of the town and it’s citizens will be met.
Why are you running?
I am running for a seat on the Board of Selectmen to move Saugus forward. I have worked very hard during my time on Town Meeting to be a positive voice for change will always work hard for the citizens of Saugus. I have shown in the past that I have the ability to work collaboratively with all facets of the town.
A good example is the development of the softball field at the Belmonte Middle School. I was faced with the prospect of losing fields with the development of the new high school and had to work with the town and also the business community to have this project completed. It was not just me, it was a team effort and now the local teams, including Saugus High School, have a wonderful facility. We need vocal, communicative and transparent leaders in this town and that’s what I will deliver.
Why should people vote for you?
I feel as though people should vote for me if they believe that I could be a positive change for the Town of Saugus. I am a fair and honest person that truly just wants the best for the town of Saugus. I vow to always be transparent and accountable. I will also ensure that the people have a voice and a presence and a complete understanding of any pressing issues in town. This is something that comes up often as I meet and discuss issues with the citizens of Saugus. I have to say, what truly humbles me is when someone looks me in the eye and thanks me for running.
If you feel the same, and you want to see change, and you believe in my platform and beliefs, I humbly request one of your five votes on November 5th. I am 9th on the ballot.
Name: Debra Panetta
Age: 57
Occupation: Site Manager / Finance Director
Education: Masters in Business Administration, Northeastern University. Bachelors in Accounting, Suffolk University (Magna Cum Laude). Lean Six Sigma Certification, William George Group. Received PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification
If an incumbent, how long have you served?
Served eight years on the Board of Selectmen, almost five years as Chairman. Served as the Chairman of the Saugus School Committee.
Served for 10 years as a Saugus Town Meeting Member. Served as Vice Chairman on the Saugus Charter Commission.
What is the most important issue facing the Board of Selectmen and how would you address it?
The most important issue facing Saugus is sustaining the forward progress that we are now experiencing. We see the strengthening of Saugus’ finances as evidenced by the AA+ Standard & Poor’s rating which is saving taxpayers millions of dollars. We have almost $10 million in our financial reserves.
We’ve made improvements in public safety, infrastructure (e.g., roads, drainage, sidewalks, bridges), and our parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields. We need to continue maintaining focus and diligence on the new middle/high school, which has a targeted completion date of Summer 2020.
This is the largest investment our town has ever supported, so we need to ensure that these efforts stay on track. If reelected, I will continue working diligently with the Town Manager, Finance Committee, Town Meeting, fellow Board of Selectmen members, and the public to ensure we continue on this positive path.
What three issues are most important to you?
My first issue is working on the town-wide master plan, which was recently funded by Town Meeting. With all the new development in Saugus, especially along Route 1, it is imperative that we have a strategy that deals with the future growth of our town while protecting our neighborhoods and environmental resources. This plan will be the framework for making informed decisions which will include goals and policies for future land use, including housing, recreation, commercial development, transportation, and open space.
My second issue is to decide what the town will be doing with the five schools that will be going off-line. Assuming the Schools turn these properties back over to the town, we need a plan to address what we are going to do with these properties. I would like to have public meetings to discuss what the residents would like to see in our community. Perhaps we would like a community center, affordable housing (including Veteran’s housing), a dog park and/or skateboard park, more athletic fields, a public garden for quiet enjoyment, or a music hall/art center to put on plays and concerts. The opportunities are limitless.
My third issue falls under the heading of ‘discussions and communication.’ We have a traffic issue in Saugus, where we are in the second phase of addressing this matter. The town hired a Consultant to help us deal with this issue, and we had a public meeting to discuss the results. We need to have more discussions and more public meetings. We need to discuss a closure plan for the Wheelabrator ash landfill similar to what was done with the Aggregate Quarry. Wheelabrator’s ash landfill was supposed to be closed in 1996. And we need to relook at the Route 1 corridor and consider making changes to the bylaw regarding the residential vs. commercial ratio.
If an incumbent, what is your biggest accomplishment during your time in office?
My biggest accomplishment is the AA+ Standard and Poor’s rating for our Town of Saugus. This is due to our very strong economy, strong budgetary performances, strong liquidity strong long-term financial plan as well as having an overall low 2.9 percent debt ratio, which is saving taxpayers millions of dollars. The reason I chose this as my biggest accomplishments is because when I first got in office eight years ago, there were discussions of closing the library, Senior Center, Youth and Recreation, and the Essex Street Fire Station.
The town was broke, and there were discussions with the Department of Revenue about going into receivership and having large tax overrides just to pay for operations. We are now financially stable and moving forward with a new middle/high school, new parks and playgrounds, making investments in public safety, and making improvements in our infrastructure (e.g., roads, sidewalks, bridges, water, sewer).
Why are you running?
I am seeking reelection because I would like to continue with the great progress our town has made. I am 100 percent committed to making Saugus the best it can be.
I originally ran for Selectmen because of the dire straits our Town was experiencing. The prior Town Manager (who plead guilty to various wrongdoings, including procurement fraud and failure to provide notice of competitive bidding) was looking for a debt override just to pay for operational expenses. We were on the verge of receivership. The Essex Street Fire Station kept opening and closing because we didn’t have the funds to keep it open. There were threats of closing our library, Senior Center, and Youth and Recreation Center. This was just unacceptable, and I wanted to be part of the solution.
The town has come a long way, especially over the last five years. I am proud to say that I was part of moving Saugus forward in a positive direction. I want to continue on this successful path that our town is now taking, and I would be honored to serve two more years on the Board of Selectmen.
Why should people vote for you?
I offer Saugus voters my extensive financial background and commitment to local government and community service. I hold a Master’s in Business Administration from Northeastern University and a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Suffolk University. I also earned my Project Management Profession (PMP) certification. I’ve worked for over 30 years, with a focus in accounting, finance, auditing, and real estate. Additionally, I’ve earned Distinguished Toastmaster status.
I’ve been engaged in Saugus organizations and elected offices for over 30 years.
Currently, I am the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen (for almost five years) and have been a board member for eight years. I have also served as the Chairman of the Saugus School Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Saugus Charter Commission, and a Town Meeting member for five terms. I’m also a member of the Saugus Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of the Saugus Business Collaborative, the Garden Club, Saugus Historical Society, and Conservation Law. I’m the President of the Saugus River Watershed Council and past-President of SAVE. I’ve been endorsed by the Sierra Club and recently received the John O’Connor Grassroots award from Clean Water Action for environmental excellence.
I am committed to moving Saugus forward with unity, purpose, and direction. As Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, I have conducted meetings professionally and treated applicants fairly. All meetings are televised, and minutes are voted on at the next meeting and posted online. I have a good working relationship with my fellow Board members, the Town Manager, and the Finance Committee. I have the utmost respect for Town Meeting and attend all Town Meetings.
I am committed to maintain full public services, including public safety, education, library, senior services, and youth and recreation. I’m an advocate for environmental issues that concern your health and safety. I attend numerous meetings and events outside of the Board of Selectmen meetings, where I listen to the concerns of Saugus residents, celebrate successes of fellow Saugonians, or just enjoy being part of the wonderful celebrations that we have in town.
I love Saugus and will continue to work hard for the residents. I am very proud of the direction we are heading, and I hope to continue as one of your five Selectmen for the next two years.
Name: Corinne Riley
Age: 62
Occupation: Homemaker/Community Volunteer
Education: Saugus High School graduate, Class of 1975
If an incumbent, how long have you served?
I am a challenger and I intend to bring an independent perspective to the Board of Selectmen that it doesn’t already have.
What is the most important issue facing the city Board of Selectmen (BOS), and how would you address it?
One important issue is the mess on Route 1, specifically the Saugus Ridge project hurting Prankers Pond, plus 1000 new apartments with little else. Another important issue is the lack of a West-side Fire Station, which was needed even before we added 1000 new apartments.
These two issues should have been addressed with a Master Plan and a professional Economic Development Director.
Since we didn’t plan properly, we’re now forced to call for a two-year do-over while we do our homework. This is unacceptable.I‘ve been calling for better planning for two-and-a-half years, and when I am Selectman, we’ll have a plan and implement it.
Another important issue is the lack of 10 percent affordable housing in Saugus, which keeps us prone to hostile 40B developments like Saugus Ridge. We’ve had the Saugus housing Production Plan in place for three years with little-to-no action. Had this been acted on in a timely manner, we might have avoided the Saugus Ridge project that nobody in Saugus wants.I‘ve been calling for better planning for two-and-a-half years, and when I am Selectman, we’ll have a plan for affordable housing and implement it.
Another important issue is a Capital Improvement Plan. I’ve been pushing for this for two-and-a-half years. And now just days before election, it magically appears, but was not based on public input, and it nothing more than a list of completed projects and a wish list for the future, with no timelines, priorities or actual funding sources. It’s not a plan at all, and the BOS and Town Manager have not done their work on this. I will make a real Capital Improvement Plan a priority and it will include broad public input.
Another important issue is what to do with the school buildings that may no longer be needed by the school department, specifically the Lynnhurst, Oaklandvale, Waybright, Roby, Ballard and Evans. Having some or all of these six buildings and properties available is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Saugus to impact affordable housing, open space, public recreation, cemetery space and more. For five years, our current BOS and Town Manager have failed to create a Master Plan, Economic Development Plan, or a real Capital Improvement Plan for town. Given their track record, I simply don’t trust that they will properly plan now. I will make it a priority that these buildings are considered in our Master Plan, Capital Improvement Plan, and Economic Development plans.
What three issues are most important to you?
First, a West side fire station. The people of Saugus voted for it and it is long overdue. Second, professional planning is sorely lacking in Saugus, and the town is suffering because of it. This is clear by the two-year development moratorium, the lack of affordable housing, and the hastily thrown together Capital Improvement Plan.Third, transparency and accountability. Regarding transparency, too many issues are hidden from the public. We need a line item budget presented so the taxpayers can see where their tax dollars are going and hold their government accountable. Regarding accountability, according to another FOIA response, there has been no evaluation of the Town Manager. The BOS should provide clear, transparent goals for the Town Manager, and evaluate the performance toward those goals annually in open session, not Executive (private) session.
Most importantly, the people’s voices are not being heard. We voted for a West-side fire station and didn’t get it. We were promised that the Town Manager would be evaluated and didn’t get it. There was an outcry to keep the school custodians, yet they weren’t. Too many decisions in town are on a whim and the vision of a small few. Our Town Manager and Selectmen have a habit of “reviewing successes”; that’s fine but Management 101 tells us that the failures, opportunities missed, and areas of improvement should be covered as well. To not do so is only telling half the story. If you’re going to pat yourself on the back in public, then you should be will to take your lumps on the shortcomings too.
If a challenger, what expertise do you bring to the table?
Serving four years on the School Committee, I gained experience that transfers directly to the BOS. Specifically, I worked on the budget, and realize the need to maximize every dollar to provide critical services.
I sought alternative funding through state grants (FIRST Robotics Program), and private business (got AEDs installed in all schools). As part of the negotiating team, I was able to successfully negotiate contracts with union teachers, para-professionals, custodians, and cafeteria workers. I advocated for the Belmonte School Renovation and saw the project through to completion. I have experience developing a District Improvement Plan and evaluating the Superintendent. All transparent and all public.
Why are you running?
I am running to promote bring professional planning, transparency and accountability to Saugus. I am running to represent people in town whose voice is not being heard.
Why should people vote for you?
BecauseI will bring an independent perspective to the BOS that it doesn’t already have. None of the four incumbents have made SMART Economic Development a priority for the town, which is why we are in the midst of a two-year moratorium on development, and still don’t have an Economic Development Director. I will make this a priority.
None of the four incumbents have made a Host Community agreement with Wheelabrator a priority for the town, which is why we lose out on millions of dollars of revenue each year. I will make this a priority.
None of the four incumbents have made a Capital Improvement Plan a priority for the town, which is why we have a terribly insufficient “Plan”, with no public input, that was released just days before the election. I will make a real Capital Improvement Plan a priority, and it will include broad public input.
None of the four incumbents have made student time-on-learning a priority for the town, which is why we have schools that perform in the bottom 10 percent of the state. I will make this a priority.
I am ethical, honest and hardworking. I believe in open and transparent government. A vote for me is a vote for bringing professional planning, transparency and accountability to Saugus.
Name: Michael J. Serino
Occupation: General Electric Company (retired)
Education: Graduate of Saugus High School and the University of Massachusetts.
What is the most important issue facing the Board of Selectmen?
The most important issue facing Saugus is the over-development of Route One. After the development of the former Hilltop property, I voiced my concerns regarding the amount of residential development allowed on the 11 acre site. My concern was in regards to the impact that this type of continued development along Route One could have on our community, as it relates to public safety and the impact of overcrowding in our schools. After reviewing the plans submitted by the developer, I had calculated that residential units made up 92 percent of the project, were as, commercial represented only 8 percent of the project.
Although, I agree with the mixed use zoning concept, as an elected Town Meeting Member I called for the mixed use zoning by-law to be revised, thereby, requiring more commercial uses. I spoke at Town Meeting in support of the Town Manager’s article requesting a two year building moratorium on multi-family dwellings. Thereby, still affording developers the opportunity to build commercial projects. The article passed Town Meeting unanimously.
What are the three most important issues to you?
One, updating our Route One mixed use zoning by-law, requiring less residential use and more commercial uses. Two, completion of our district-wide school building plans along with deciding on what to do with the vacant school building properties when they come off line. Three, continue to build upon the strong financial management policies that I helped develop as the former chairman of the Board of Selectmen. Today Saugus has a AA+ bond rating. The highest in Saugus’s history.
What expertise do you bring to the table?
The expertise that I bring to the table is my experience. I was the former chairman of the Board of Selectmen, former chairman of the Conservation Commission and former vice-chairman of the Town Meeting Charter Committee. I currently serve as the chairman of the Board of Assessors. I am also an elected Town Meeting Member from Precinct 10. I believe that my ability to work with people would be an asset to our community.
Why are you running?
I was raised in a family with a rich tradition of public service and I deeply care about my community. Exciting progress has been made in our community and I want to continue on that track.
Why should people vote for you?
I hope people will vote for me because of the dedication I have shown, over the years, towards our community. I truly believe that I have served the residents of Saugus with integrity and professionalism.
