SAUGUS ― After consideration and discussions with family and friends, Selectman Jeffrey V. Cicolini has decided to run for reelection to the Board of Selectmen.
Cicolini has been in office for seven years now and doesn’t plan to stop there. What’s more, the town native is optimistic where the future is concerned.
“I feel like the town is heading in a positive direction,” Cicolini said. “I’ve been on the board for seven years, and we continue to make progress financially and (with) other things like the new high school.”
The lowering of health insurance has been raised as a priority for some elected officials, Cicolini feels strongly there needs to be compensation study.
“We should continue this as a town,” he added. “We as a town need to do a comprehensive salary study for all positions because if there is a discussion to be had about lowering the health insurance contribution paid by the town then we will have to increase salaries for employees accordingly, it is a give and take.”
There are other issues in Saugus on Cicolini’s radar. With the new Middle-High School’s recent construction came traffic and safety issues throughout town. Parents picking up and dropping off students have crowded Highland Avenue, according to residents, making it impossible for larger vehicles ― such as emergency vehicles ― to pass through.
Between a sinkhole that has developed in the high school’s main parking lot and the nationwide bus shortage, more than 600 students have been affected in town.
“Unfortunately there is only so much we can do for traffic issues, (but) we as a board are trying to do what we can do with(in) our power,” Cicolini said. “The Board of Selectmen, police, and school administration are all trying to work collaboratively together to alleviate the situation.”
Growing up in Saugus, Cicolini’s father was the town’s harbormaster and had a part in building up Harold L. Vitale Memorial Park. Growing up, Cicolini spent almost every day at the park and still goes there to this day.
The selectman said that, at first, his family was apprehensive about him running for reelection. But, according to Cicolini, this wasn’t the time for a break.
“I want to see this through, use this momentum and see what this board can do,” he said. “I’m here for the long haul, and I’m passionate about my town.”
There are 10 people in town running to be elected to the five-member Board of Selectmen, and Cicolini wants his constituents to take the time to do research and fully understand issues going on in their town.
“It’s not a popularity contest,” he said. “Ask a lot of questions.”
The town election will take place on Nov. 2.
Hannah Chadwick can be reached at [email protected].
