Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JAnUAry 17, 2025 “Public Interest rather than self-interest” Governor signs into law a Saugus Charter change that requires an 18-month waiting period for former selectmen and School Committee members seeking appointments to paid positions they once presided over By Mark E. Vogler S electmen and School Committee members will have to wait at least 18 months after leaving office before they can hold any compensated position or employment that is directly appointed by the office they left, as a result of legislation recently signed into law by Gov. Maura Healey. “Town Meeting has always supported reforms and revisions that enhance public confidence in our town government,” Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian said this week after learning that the governor approved of the measure he authored at last year’s Annual Town Meeting. “This reasonable restriction, or what James Madison would refer to as an ‘auxiliary precaution,’ will assure the public that whoever seeks the office of School Committee or selectman will be doing so out of public interest rather than self-interest,” Manoogian said. Town Meeting members voted unanimously last May in support of Article 26 – to petition the state Legislature to amend the Town Charter to include the following language: “No former member of the Welcome to Behavioral and Mental Health Ann Desloges, MSN, RN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC Education: Boston College BSN Simmons College MSN, ANP Rivier University PMHNP My journey in healthcare includes 20 years of service to our veterans as a VA NP, during which time I gained invaluable experiences in addressing complex health needs. Goal: To provide highly efficient, safe, quality care. To improve mood • motivation• quality of sleep• depression, anxiety • attention span • appetite • relationships – Illnesses managed include ADHD, BPD 1/2, Eating disorders (Bulimia and weight loss), GAD, Insomnia, MDD, Postpartum depression, Personality Disorders, OCD, Panic Attacks, ODD, Phobias, Psychosis, Spectrum Disorders, and Schizophrenia. I provide a Psychiatric evaluation, Follow-up appointments Diagnosing, Prescriber-Medication Management Psychotherapy providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools Ages Included: teens (12-17) and adults (18 and above) We meet by Telehealth by telephone and video link I am in-network with Mass Insurances 20+ Hours: Mon – Thurs: 9a-6p or by appointment. If you you would like to see Ms. Desloges her contact information is: Tel: 781-463-5007 Email: deslogespmhnp@gmail.com Or through “Psychology Today.” Under Peabody Psychiatrists. https://www.facebook.com/behavioralnmentalhealth/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-desloges-2670016b/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/psychiatrists/behavioral-andmental-health-care-peabody-ma/324713 Board of Selectmen or School Committee shall hold any compensated appointed office, position, or employment that is directly appointed by the Board of Selectmen or School Committee for which a salary or other employment is payable from the town treasury until eighteen months following the date on which the former member’s term of office, as established by this Act, on the Board of Selectmen or School Committee has terminated.” In advocating on behalf of his article, Manoogian noted that Saugus is the lone town in Massachusetts without staggered elections. He also told members that the situation creates an opportunity for organized change that may or may not be the best opportunity for the town. State Rep. Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Revere) and state Sen. Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn) advocated for their Saugus constituents in support of House Bill 5059, which contained similar language: “Chapter 17 of the Acts of 1947 also known as the Saugus Town Charter is hereby amended, by adding under Article 2, Section 6 a new paragraph which shall be identified as “Section 6a – Prohibitions” which will read as follows: “No former member of the Board of Selectmen or School Committee shall hold any compensated appointed office, position, or employment that is directly appointed by the Board of Selectmen or School Committee for which a salary or other emolument is payable from the town treasury until eighteen months following the date on which the former member’s term of office, as established by this Act, on the Board of Selectmen or School Committee has terminated.” With the governor’s signature, the legislation can now be incorporated into the town’s Special Act Charter. Prior to the new Charter change, selectmen who were interested in employment or a compensated position appointed by the Board of Selectmen would have to wait at least six months, under the provision of the state Conflict of Interest Law. Before the law was adopted in 1982, any member of a municipal board or commission who sought a position under that board or commission was ineligible for appointment to that position until the expiration of 30 days from the termination of his service as a commission or board member. Previously, School Committee members had a waiting period of just 30 days after they resigned to accept a position appointed by the School Committee. A BUDGET BRIEFING: The Saugus School Committee listened as Schools Superintendent Michael Hashem presented his $36.2 million proposed School Department budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year last week. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) PUBLIC SCHOOLS | FROM PAGE 2 that too many times,” Hashem said. “Whether MCAS counts anymore or not, that [educational curriculum] needs to be maintained,” he said. The superintendent identified these area’s as the school district’s top three financial needs: • Curriculum – maintaining, developing and implementing • Support – for teachers and students related to the growing needs of individual students. • Activities – providing activities outside the school day in order to meet the needs of the whole child. The superintendent’s proposed FY 26 budget identified nine “cost centers” within the budget, noting the proposed spending plan along with the increase. Saugus Public Schools at a Glance Veterans Early Learning Center: a $4.5 million proposed budget, a $113,051 increase, 66.38 full-time equivalent employees. Belmonte STEAM Academy: a $7.1 million proposed budget, a $262,395 increase, 95.88 full-time equivalent employees. Saugus Middle School: a $5.6 million proposed budget, a PUBLIC SCHOOLS | SEE PAGE 9
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