SAUGUS — Andrew Whitcomb is well aware of the legacy he’ll be stepping into in the coming weeks as he prepares for his new role as the youngest member of Saugus Town Meeting.
Filling in mid-term for former member Al DiNardo, who announced earlier this week he was leaving his position to prepare for a move to the South Shore, Whitcomb, 19, said he’s disappointed he won’t be able to serve alongside the man he referred to as a “bullhorn” when it came to important town issues.
“It’s big shoes to fill,” he said. “He’s one of the longest-serving members. It’s like losing Ted Kennedy or losing John McCain. He played such a big role.”
DiNardo, a lifelong Saugus resident who has served as a Town Meeting member since 1989, will resign immediately following a yet-to-be-scheduled upcoming special Town Meeting.
After retiring from the landscaping business he began at the age of 14, DiNardo and his partner plan to move to Plymouth this fall in order to spend more time at the hair salon they own in Hingham.
“Al DiNardo is a great, great man,” Whitcomb said of his mentor and former neighbor. “He’s always been kind to (my family), and he’s always welcomed me into his house, asked if there’s anything he can do for me … That’s just the kind of guy Al is.”
Like DiNardo, the University of Massachusetts, Lowell student has already dedicated much of his time to the Saugus community. Whitcomb himself grew up immersed in local politics, attending Town Meeting since the age of 14 with his mother, Maureen Whitcomb, who is also a Town Meeting member.
Besides looking forward to serving alongside family, Whitcomb said he’s thankful to work with other passionate Saugonians, many of whom he’s come to know through his years of involvement in local government and events.
“Before, I kept my opinions to myself,” he said. “Now I have to think strategically, think about what’s in the best interest of (the town).”
Following the news of DiNardo’s departure, Whitcomb, who ran for Town Meeting in November, said he was offered the position because he received the next-highest number of votes in the last election. He’ll sit in on one Town Meeting before the November 2021 elections.
Now that he has a platform to get involved with local issues, Whitcomb added he looks forward to being able to make a difference in his community.
“I finally get to have a voice that counts,” he said, although he later added: “I’m not trying to be the next Al DiNardo, because there won’t be another one for a long time.”
For his part, DiNardo wishes the best for Whitcomb and said he’ll be happy to help guide him in his future Town Meeting endeavours.
“I told Andrew that I will support him,” he said. “And that he can call me at any time and I’ll be available for him to answer any questions.”
Elyse Carmosino can be reached at [email protected].