THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JAnUAry 10, 2025 Page 3 Former Housing Authority Chair John Cannon regains leadership position By Mark E. Vogler J ohn Cannon said he will ascribe to the philosophy of the late U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy as he embraces his leadership role at the Saugus Housing Authority. “Some men see things as they are, and say why. I dream of things that never were, and say why not,” Cannon said, quoting Kennedy in an interview this week as he set his goals for the new year as the authority’s new chair. Cannon, 72, had presided over the authority previously before losing in a town election race several years ago. But he decided to run again last fall in the election for resident commissioner, who serves a one-year term. He defeated longtime authority member Dottie Bockus in a Nov. 22 election by a 66 percent margin and quickly decided that he wanted to be chair again. “I lobbied for the chairmanship and I got a unanimous vote,” Cannon said. Improving the current deficiencies of the authority are his top priority. “The current executive director has said that the Housing Authority has received low performance ratings from the state, and my goal is to correct that,” he said. Cannon lost an election for a four-year term on the authority back in 2021. He didn’t run two years ago. But after discussions with tenants who COOPERATE | FROM PAGE 2 economic and environmental benefits it receives from our monofill operation. “The result, which was approved by the Board of Selectmen, was a plan that secures benefits to the Town of at least $20 million, in addition to environmental benefits, if WIN obtains the required permits from the Board of Health and MassDEP. The BOH chair at the time participated in the Host Community Agreement negotiations and supported the RON’S OIL Call For PRICE MELROSE, MA 02176 NEW CUSTOMER’S WELCOME ACCEPTING VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER (781) 397-1930 OR (781) 662-8884 100 GALLON MINIMUM Great Classified Ad Rates! Call 781-233-4446 GLAD TO BE BACK: After getting elected to a one-year term as resident commissioner last November, John Cannon sought the chair’s seat and said he’s on a mission to improve the Saugus Housing Authority. (Saugus Advocate Photo by Mark E. Vogler) asked him to run for the seat, he decided it was time to get back into local public service. “I had a number of residents who asked me to run for the seat,” Cannon said. They expressed their concerns that they were not happy about the direction the Housing Authority was going,” he added. Cannon’s goals include strong fiduciary reporting, striving for a better quality of life for the tenants and doing what’s in the best interests of the Housing Authority. “I’m looking forward to conHCA eventually approved by the selectmen. “We fully understand that gaining the approval to continue using the monofill would involve a thorough and transparent process. We have also heard from many Saugus residents and leaders who believe we should continue our operation as is, keep the ash trucks off the roads and bring more financial benefit to the town. They support sustaining this asset, which includes our Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. We continue to hope that we will find a better solution as we work to show our value as tinuing my public housing education,” Cannon said. “I’m really looking forward to getting involved and correcting the problems of the Housing Authority. I’m glad to be back. I really enjoy the job and helping the tenants,” he said. “I’m also looking forward to working in my new position as state treasurer of the American Legion Department of Massachusetts,” said the U.S. Navy veteran. Cannon also serves as a member of the town’s Board of Appeals. a partner to the Town.” At one point during Musial’s remarks to the Board of Health, Ash Landfill Closure Committee Chair Manoogian went up to the lectern to essentially debate Musial on the merits of expanding the ash landfill vs. closure. “The law is the law right now,” Manoogian told Musial. “You can’t expand,” he said of the existing state environmental regulations that limit the life of the ash landfill. Manoogian said WIN Waste can only dispose of ash up to 50 COOPERATE | SEE PAGE 8 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut Street We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-7 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday $11.00 Price includes Roller Skates 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM - ID Required Private Parties Private Parties 4-8 p.m. $10.00 8:30-11 p.m. $11. 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM - ID Required 12-9 p.m. $10.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com
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