To the editor:
I am writing to raise a serious concern about the integrity of the citizen petition process in Saugus.
Our Town Meeting form of government depends on residents being able to participate freely and without fear. The citizen petition is a fundamental part of that process, allowing issues to be brought forward for open discussion. Signing a petition is not a vote on the outcome. It is simply a way to ensure a matter is heard.
Recently, a Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member has on multiple occasions singled out individuals based on their signatures on Town Meeting articles in public settings, including in person, online, and in written communications. While these petitions are public records, using them in this manner is inappropriate and sends a clear message: participate, and you may be targeted.
This is not an isolated incident. It is a pattern. And whether intended or not, it creates a chilling effect that discourages residents from engaging, silences differing viewpoints, and undermines confidence in Town Meeting as a fair and open forum.
Public participation should not come with the risk of being publicly called out or pressured for simply signing a petition. That is not civic engagement. It is intimidation.
If we want a stronger, more involved community, we need to raise the standard of conduct, not normalize behavior that pushes people away from the process.
Residents deserve better than a process where participation comes with a target on their back.
Respectfully,
Jenna Nuzzo
Town Meeting Member Precinct 10, Saugus
