Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) asked candidates for the Board of Selectmen to provide a brief statement addressing their environmental vision for our Town. Candidate responses are listed alphabetically by last name. The following was submitted:
JEFFREY V. CICOLINI
I have always been environmentally aware; however, in the past decade, I have become significantly more passionate and outspoken about protecting our environment, our people, and our Earth! In today’s fast-paced society, everyone is trying to do everything more efficiently and effectively, and, unfortunately, sometimes the impact on our environment is not taken into account.
Protection of our environment and the natural resources is imperative in order to make sure our future generations can enjoy the air we breathe and the land we occupy. Education needs to start as early as possible for our children. From renewable energy, solar farms, and the importance of the capping of landfills to promoting recycling, the use of hybrid vehicles, and encouraging the purchase of energy-efficient household items, such as appliances, toilets, and hot water heaters, there are countless ways for our residents to partake in the protection of our environment and its natural resources.
I feel my actions speak louder than words, for example:
- Every property I own, including our home, which we built seven years ago, contains energy-efficient appliances, water-saving toilets, water heaters, and furnaces.
- We have a totally electric car in our home, and we have a charging station installed for efficient charging.
- In 2015, upon being elected, I made the motion at the Board of Selectmen’s meeting to reaffirm the Board’s position statement to prevent any further expansion of the ash landfills on Route 107. My position has not changed; I do not support the expansion of the landfill by any means.
- The HCA that I supported was ONLY an insurance policy for the Town in the event that Mass DEP reverses course once again and allows for further expansion. I made my position of no expansion clear throughout the entire public meeting. Unfortunately, I have little confidence in the State’s ability to hold firm on its stance.
- I attended and spoke at the Revere City Council meeting to emphasize my support for Representative RoseLee Vincent’s bill (H.771) surrounding the same topic: preventing any further expansion of the ash landfills.
- I wrote a letter as a citizen of Saugus and officer/Treasurer of the Point of Pines Yacht Club to our legislators to emphasize the importance of their support of Rep. Vincent’s legislation.
- My family has been recycling since it started in Saugus, and I am proud to say this has been passed on to my children, who take part in the process of separating our materials each week before trash and recycling containers are put by the curb.
- I fully support the proposed policy by the Saugus Board of Health pertaining to the grease trap regulations for places of business (FOG policy). I have not supported any waivers applied for by businesses.
In closing, I would say that awareness of the importance of environmental protection is of great importance to me and my family. I am always searching for ways to increase my participation in energy conservation and resource protection. If I am reelected to the Board of Selectmen, I would like to work with the Town Manager and our recycling coordinator to explore items to further our stance as a green community. This includes looking into the possibility of single-stream recycling and continuing to update our facilities to more energy-efficient platforms to gain further levels of LEED certification.
ANTHONY W. COGLIANO
This candidate did not submit a written statement addressing their environmental vision for our Town.
JENNIFER E. D’EON
My name is Jennifer D’Eon. I live in Cliftondale with my husband Tom. We have two children, Ally (22) and Jake (18). We are also the proud owners of a 4-year-old German Shepherd named Chief. I previously served as a member of the Board of Selectmen and am now a member of the Board of Assessors and have been for four years.
As a longtime Saugus resident and dedicated public servant, I’ve always believed that protecting our environment is essential to preserving the character and health of our town. Saugus is blessed with natural beauty, from the Saugus River to Breakheart Reservation, and we work together to preserve these resources to ensure that they remain vibrant for generations to come.
If elected to the Board of Selectmen, I will advocate for policies that:
- Open Space and Wetlands: I support expanding green spaces, if possible, and protecting our existing green spaces from overdevelopment and will ensure that conservation efforts are prioritized in Town planning. Our brooks, the Saugus and Pines River, and Rumney Marsh wetlands are vital for flood control, wildlife, and recreation. Our town needs and deserves access to quality green spaces that families can enjoy. I believe promoting the use of these resources will encourage residents to contribute to their conservation.
- Promote Sustainable Growth: I will work to ensure that new development in Saugus is environmentally responsible — encouraging energy-efficient buildings, walkable neighborhoods, and smart zoning that respects our natural landscape.
- Expand and Improve Recycling and Waste Reduction: I will advocate for any improvements that could expand the Town’s recycling program, explore composting initiatives, and work with local businesses to reduce single-use plastics. Sustainability starts with everyday choices.
- Prepare for Climate Challenges: I will support infrastructure upgrades that make Saugus more resilient to climate-related risks, including stormwater management, tree planting, and energy modernization.
Environmental conservation and stewardship are not a partisan issue — it’s a community responsibility I take seriously. I am running for office again to ensure that Saugus remains a safe, healthy, and beautiful place to live. With your support, we can build a future that honors our past and protects our environment for the future.
Let’s move Saugus forward — together.
FRANK FEDERICO
As a candidate for Selectman, my focus is on building a stronger, more connected Saugus. I believe leadership should be about listening, respecting different perspectives, and finding practical solutions that move our community forward.
Transparency and accessibility are at the heart of my vision. Residents deserve clear communication about decisions that affect our town, and I will work to strengthen the trust between leadership and the community. An open, responsive government benefits everyone.
Saugus is fortunate to have engaged groups like Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE), who for decades have encouraged thoughtful conversations about issues that affect our quality of life. Whether the topic is preserving wetlands, protecting historic areas, or raising awareness of long-term planning, these discussions reflect how deeply our residents care about the character of Saugus. I respect the dedication of volunteers, students, and families who continue to make environmental awareness part of our community’s identity.
I am especially encouraged by the involvement of students in civic and environmental activities. The next generation should feel empowered to take part in shaping Saugus’s future, whether through volunteerism, scholarship opportunities, or programs that foster leadership. Their voices and ideas will ensure that Saugus remains vibrant for decades to come.
At the same time, I know that good government requires balance. Growth and development must be managed in a way that respects our environment and neighborhoods while supporting the services and opportunities families depend on. Preserving our wetlands and open spaces, while also ensuring responsible use of land and resources, is part of that balance.
Public safety, education, and Town services remain core priorities. I will work to make sure our police, fire, and emergency personnel have the resources they need, that our schools continue to be a source of pride, and that services for seniors and families are strong. Fiscal responsibility must guide these efforts, so that we invest wisely without placing unnecessary burdens on residents.
Above all, I see the role of Selectman as a bridge — connecting people, fostering respectful dialogue, and making decisions that reflect both present needs and long-term goals. Saugus has a proud history and a bright future. I am running because I want to contribute to that future with honesty, dedication, and a commitment to serving every resident.
Together, we can keep Saugus strong, welcoming, and forward-looking. I humbly ask for your support in this election.
STACEY M. HERMAN-DORANT
As a current Town Meeting Member and candidate for Selectman, I welcome the opportunity to share my vision for Saugus — one rooted in preparedness, sustainability, and a deep respect for the character of our Town. I believe that every person in Saugus, regardless of where they live, should be guaranteed the same fundamental rights to clean air and a healthy environment. That’s why I’m proud to have been endorsed by the Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM) Action Fund, an organization that shares my commitment to meet the urgency of our environmental challenges. As a member of SAVE (Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment), Bike to the Sea, and the Saugus River Watershed Council, I understand that preserving our open spaces and mitigating environmental impacts are essential to building a thriving, resilient community. We are all stewards of the environment, and it is our responsibility to leave the next generation a more sustainable and healthier Saugus. Protecting our environment and the character of our Town requires a forward-thinking approach.
My vision includes:
- Automated Trash and Recycling: Continue the work of the Trash Committee (on which I served) by moving toward secure-lidded trash bins compatible with automated collection. This change will improve efficiency, reduce litter, and encourage recycling.
- Precinct-Based Community Cleanups: Work with Town Meeting Members to organize clean-up days that encourage resident involvement and neighborhood pride, helping keep all of Saugus litter-free.
- Explore Hiring a Part-Time Environmental Grants Specialist: Since being designated a Green Community in 2015, Saugus has secured over $1 million in energy-efficiency grants, saving the Town thousands of dollars. Saugus also participated in the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program (MVP), which supports municipalities in priority actions to address impacts resulting from extreme weather, sea level rise, coastal flooding, etc. MVP has provided Saugus with over $100,000 in funds to plan for such events. A dedicated grants specialist would help us aggressively pursue additional state and federal funding opportunities — ensuring we maximize the financial resources available to reduce our energy footprint and make our community climate resilient.
- Hold WIN Waste to Emissions Standards, No Landfill Expansion: If WIN Waste continues to operate, they should be required to meet all existing emissions standards without purchasing pollution credits. It’s time to set a firm date to cap and close the ash landfill and discontinue the disposal of toxic ash in Saugus. We must also prepare to implement the recommendations from the Town Meeting Landfill Committee, including economic development plans that could generate up to $5 million in new tax revenue and create quality jobs.
- Permanent Air Quality Monitoring: A new DEP air quality station will soon provide 24/7 access to real-time data for residents — bringing transparency and accountability to environmental health.
- Protect Our Open Spaces: I will continue to advocate for preserving the green spaces that define Saugus.
I respectfully ask for your vote to continue this important work. Together, we can protect what makes Saugus special.
DEBRA C. PANETTA
My environmental vision has been shaped by over three decades of involvement in the environmental affairs of Saugus. I currently serve as the Chairman of the Saugus Board of Selectmen, the President of the Saugus River Watershed Council, past-President and current member of the Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment, member of the Alliance for Health and the Environment, and a Garden Club member. I am also a member of Conservation Law and the Sierra Club. In June 2018, I received an award from SAVE for my commitment to protecting the environment. In October 2019, I received the 2019 John O’Conner Grassroots Leadership Award from Clean Water Action. I have been endorsed by the Sierra Club and the Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM) Action Fund.
My vision for Saugus includes a clean, healthy, and attractive environment. The air we breathe, the space we share, the energy we consume, and the water we protect are all critical aspects of my vision. Most important is my personal belief that as a Selectman, my actions will not result in environmental degradation.
I have not and will not allow any proposal or project that would result in direct or eventual environmental harm. I believe my actions as a sitting Selectman are consistent with my belief that we should do everything we can to protect our valuable natural resources to ensure a healthy Saugus for future generations.
Natural areas such as Rumney Marsh, Pranker’s Pond, the Saugus River, and Breakheart Reservation help promote and preserve healthy neighborhoods, provide opportunities for recreation, and are an important part of our Town’s economy. While I support economic development, I believe that such economic development must balance the protection of our valuable natural resources with opportunities for quality growth and appropriate redevelopment.
I will not support any expansion of the WIN Waste facility. I’ve attended several neighborhood meetings to discuss the various issues (e.g., noise, odor, fires) surrounding WIN Waste, Saugus. I helped coordinate various education forums on incineration, landfills, and waste alternatives.
I support the Town’s capital and infrastructure improvements, which look at our capital exposure to bring safe, environmentally friendly, and energy efficiencies for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Saugus was again reaffirmed as a green community, which is beneficial when applying for grants.
I was an early supporter of the Bike to the Sea rail trail. I am a staunch supporter of the parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities efforts.
My goal is to always do the right thing for the environment while extending Saugus taxpayers’ dollars. While I am a Saugus Selectman, our environment will continue to be an area of focus. A thoughtful and proactive approach to our environment is good for homeowners, neighborhoods, and businesses. Protecting and enriching our environment does not have to be radical or painful. It requires skilled staff, innovative ideas, and leaders who have vision. I believe my record proves that I have the vision needed to continue providing a balanced approach to protecting Saugus’ natural resources for future generations.
MICHAEL J. SERINO
My name is Michael J. Serino. I am a graduate of Saugus High School and the University of Massachusetts. My environmental public record includes: Saugus Conservation Commission (six years), Chairman of the Open Space Committee, and a member of the Town Meeting Landfill Committee. Moreover, I am a long-time member of Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) and a member of the Conservation Law Foundation.
Throughout my life, I have been advocating for the protection of our environment.
Saugus is fortunate enough to have valuable natural resources such as: the Rumney Marsh, Saugus River, Breakheart Reservation, the Iron Works property, and Pranker’s Pond. It is important that we protect our valuable natural resources. I believe that early education is the key in protecting our environment for future generations.
My environmental vision and record includes:
- Continue efforts to protect our air, water, and natural resources
- Continue efforts to reduce our waste stream and carbon footprint
- Environmental programs in our schools
- CHARM recycling center
- Household single stream recycling program
- Clean energy initiatives like our Solar farm at the DPW
- Expand our open spaces and recreational facilities, like our rail-trail
- Ongoing tree planting program
- The closing of the toxic ash landfill located on the Rumney Marsh and abutting the Saugus River
- Continue to advocate for the Mass DEP to not allow the WIN trash plant to buy emission credits, but to meet Statewide emission standards as other facilities in Massachusetts are required to do
In conclusion, the residents in Saugus, thanks in part to SAVE, are more aware of the environmental issues we continue to face as a society today. My many years of public service in advocating for the protection of our environment, is a testament to my commitment in protecting our environment. Please consider me for one of your five votes on election day, Nov. 4.
VINCENT A. SERINO
I’d like to thank SAVE for the invitation to tonight’s event and for giving me the opportunity to speak about a place very close to my heart — my hometown, Saugus.
I often think about what makes Saugus such a special place. My mind always goes back to my childhood, growing up in East Saugus near Rummy Marsh. Back then, there was so much open space. We’d head down to the marsh and see pheasants and all kinds of wildlife. It was a place where nature felt alive and close.
Saugus has always been blessed with incredible natural spaces — Prankers Pond, Breakheart Reservation, Rummy Marsh. These places aren’t just part of our landscape; they’re part of who we are. My wife and I still walk around Prankers regularly. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and it reminds us of what we have — and what we stand to lose if we don’t protect it.
We need to safeguard the open spaces we still have. From our coastal areas to the wooded parts of North Saugus, every ecosystem in town deserves attention and protection. These are assets we can’t afford to take for granted.
My wife is a teacher here in town, and she often talks to her students about the importance of caring for the environment — about valuing our parks and protected areas. It’s about passing on a sense of responsibility and pride in where we live to the next generation.
My vision for Saugus is simple but important: let’s engage the community. Let’s work together to make sure Saugus remains a welcoming, vibrant place. A place where citizens and stakeholders come first. We don’t need more of the same — we need forward-thinking ideas and a shared commitment to preserving what makes our town great.
Thank you.
SANDRO P. SOUZA
This candidate did not submit a written statement addressing their environmental vision for our Town.
ABOUT SAVE
Founded and incorporated in 1973, Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting a better quality of life in Saugus through environmental concern and action. SAVE has a long history of advocating for increased recycling and composting, preserving and protecting open space, and raising awareness through educational programs. Our mission is to safeguard the town’s natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations. For more information, visit saugussave.wordpress.com.
