To the editor:
As the election for the Town of Saugus approaches, it has become clear that this is a pivotal moment for our town and its residents. Those who we elect will have important decisions to make about high-stakes issues, including the upcoming permitting process of WIN Waste and possible landfill expansion, the locations of cannabis retail stores along Route 1, and a potential high-rise apartment expansion. With these major issues on the table, it’s crucial that our selectmen can take the time to weigh all sides of each issue and listen to their constituents and their concerns. Debra Panetta and Michael Serino have shown time and time again during their service as selectmen that they are able to do their due diligence to weigh the pros and cons and make decisions in the best interest of our Saugus residents.
Perhaps the most important issue is the formation of a charter committee to explore whether the Town of Saugus becomes a city. Moving from a town government that currently includes 50 Town Meeting members, nine Finance Committee members, and five selectmen to a city council with seven or perhaps nine councilors would significantly reduce the number of people involved in the decision-making process in our town. Resident involvement and volunteer services would be replaced with paid positions. Before the salaries and health care fall into place, we would also need to fund approximately $100,000 for the Charter Commission, and at the end of the day, we would not see any uptick in funding from the state due to our town demographics.
I personally would rather see a subcommittee of Town Meeting form and make revisions to our charter as needed, councilors and a mayor will fundamentally change how important decisions about things like WIN Waste permitting, cannabis retail rollout, and zoning regulations are decided. Where will the many voices of the residents disappear to? I am voting ‘no’ on the formation of a Charter Commission, but I will be voting for commission members in case the question passes. Mrs. Panetta and Mr. Serino are also running for Charter Commission. I trust them to make decisions on that commission that preserve my ability and my neighbors’ ability to voice our concerns and impact decisions in our town.
Please join me in voting for Debra Panetta and Michael Serino for selectmen and for Charter Commission. A vote for Debra and Michael is a vote to preserve your voice and ability to make sure it matters in important decisions in our town.
Respectfully submitted,
Jackie Harris Mercurio
Saugus
