To the editor:
Hello, my name is Mary St. Cyr, and I am a lifetime friend of Debra Panetta. Debra Panetta, the current Chair of the Board of Selectmen, has been a dedicated and passionate leader for our town.
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Deb for over 50 years — our friendship began in Malden when we were kids. We were neighbors and became fast friends in elementary school. Even then, Deb had a natural charisma and leadership quality that drew people in. I still remember playing “school” together — Deb was always the teacher, guiding the rest of us with confidence and enthusiasm.
As life took us in different directions, we lost touch for a while. But fate brought us back together when we both moved into the same neighborhood in Saugus in our 30s. By then, Deb was already deeply involved in town affairs, especially advocating for improvements in our schools. I can still hear her saying, “Our children are our future,” as she proudly held her son Mark.
Deb has consistently proven herself to be one of the most effective and compassionate leaders Saugus has had. She listens attentively, considers all perspectives, and responds with professionalism — whether she’s in a formal debate or chatting with a resident at Founders Day. She never misses a community event, from ribbon cuttings for new businesses to annual town celebrations. Her presence is constant, and her commitment is unwavering.
She’s also incredibly approachable and always eager to meet new residents. Her dedication to serving the people of Saugus is evident in everything she does, and the positive growth we’ve seen in our town during her time in office is a direct reflection of her leadership, vision, and work ethic.
Please join me, Mary St. Cyr, in supporting Debra Panetta for re-election to the Saugus Board of Selectmen. Let’s keep our town moving forward with a leader who truly cares. Vote for Debra Panetta on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Sincerely,
Mary St. Cyr
