SAUGUS — The Board of Selectmen said their thanks to the town tonight, as this will be their last meeting together before election night on Nov. 4.
While four of the Board members could be reelected next month, Corinne Riley is not running again, making this a real goodbye for her.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank the residents of Saugus who elected me for three terms, and I hope I served you well,” Riley said.
She continued that she believed the Board had been effective and had accomplished many things.
“We addressed and voted on a lot during these six years, but getting our town through the years during COVID really stands out more than the rest,” she said.
Riley acknowledged Town Manager Scott Crabtree, his staff, public safety, inspectional services, those working in education, and everyone who helped pull things together during the pandemic.
“I want to thank Scott for addressing many requests and concerns I had as a Selectman during my years on the Board, and (I) look forward to seeing those in the works come to fruition,” she said.
Riley also mentioned Wendy Reed, who had been the clerk during her first years on the Board and a friend of Riley before her death in 2021. Riley thanked Janice Jarosz for stepping into the position and also thanked current clerk Meredith Casagrande.
She thanked her fellow Board members, saying she would miss working with them all and wished them luck in the election. She also wished the other candidates luck.
Riley last thanked her family and her husband, Chris Riley, for their support.
“Although my time on the Board is ending, I will continue to volunteer my time with organizations that better our community,” Riley said.
Selectman Anthony Cogliano said that though they don’t always agree, they always get along, and they both carry the common goal of wanting what’s best for Saugus.
“I’ve had the honor of sitting up here for 16 years, and I thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. If I am to be reelected, that will be my last term. I’ve said it before, but that will be it,” he said.
Cogliano said he’s loved being a part of this community and representing the town.
“I wish you all the best in the upcoming election,” he said. “…Everyone that’s running is certainly deserving of a spot on this Board, whether it’s this time or another time.”
Selectman Mike Serino said that this has been a really “well-working” Board.
“It’s like one big family here. I want to wish everybody well, and all the newcomers who are running, (I) wish them well. Keep getting involved,” he said.
Serino matched Cogliano, telling candidates to continue to run and get involved with volunteering and other boards.
“Do whatever you can for the town. No one loves the town as (much as) we do here,” he said.
Selectman Vice Chair Jeff Cicolini said it has been a pleasure serving with Riley and that he is sad to see her go.
“I still wish for one more with you. I stand by that, but I think you’re an incredible person. You’ve done so much for the town,” he said.
Cicolini said it’s sad that “this group of five is definitely coming to an end.” He said he had the pleasure of serving with Panetta for the past 10 years.
“You are an extremely professional person and someone that everyone should look up to,” he said.
Cicolini said it was important that they agreed to disagree to find the best solutions for the community.
“At the end of the day, we do it with the utmost respect for one another, and I think we all bring a different view and vision, but it’s always for the better good of our town,” he said.
Cicolini also wished everyone luck.
Chair Debra Panetta said, “I want to first thank my fellow board members for putting your trust in me (and) voting me in as your chairman. It is sincerely appreciated. I have the utmost respect for each and every one of you.”
She thanked the residents for their support over the past six years of this Board being together. She thanked Crabtree for his work and for moving Saugus in the right direction. She also thanked Town Meeting, the School Committee, the Finance Committee, and all of the volunteer boards and commissions for their time and effort.
“It does take a village to move our town forward. I appreciate everything that everybody does,” she said.
Panetta also thanked Jarosz and Casagrande. For her work and dedication, the Board gave Casagrande flowers.
Panetta also thanked Riley for all that she has done and handed her a gift from the Board.
