THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JAnUAry 17, 2025 ~ Letter-to-the-Editor ~ Page 9 Please attend the Board of Selectmen meeting next Tuesday for discussion of the Protect and Preserve Saugus Playgrounds Through Governance Transparency and Accountability bylaw petition Dear Saugus Advocate Editor: I am writing to address the recent comments made at the Board of Selectmen’s meeting and to clarify the timeline of our advocacy efforts regarding the proposed conversion of Stocker Playground’s ball courts. Contrary to what was suggested by Madam Chairwoman Panetta, the effort to protect and preserve Stocker Playground began long before December 2024. In fact, our advocacy began after the public forum in April 2024, and by July 2024, we had gathered over 130 signatures in support of a Protect and Preserve Saugus Playgrounds Through Governance Transparency and AcPUBLIC SCHOOLS | FROM PAGE 8 $108,909 increase, 64.26 fulltime equivalent employees. Saugus High School: a $7.6 million proposed budget, a $243,340 increase, 76 fulltime equivalent employees. Administration: a $1.2 million proposed budget, a $28,505 increase, 10.48 fulltime equivalent employees. Buildings and Grounds: a $910,091 proposed budget, no increase, 1 full-time equivalent employee (an outside contractor). Non-Instructional Services: an $859,688 proposed budget, a $45,150 increase, 6.88 full-time equivalent employees. District-Wide Instruction: a $1.9 million proposed budget, a $760,941 increase, 2.50 full-time equivalent employees. Special Education: a $6.7 million proposed budget, a $912,147 increase, 30.35 fulltime equivalent employees. Total: a $36.2 million proposed budget, a $2.5 million increase, 353.73 fulltime equivalent employees. countability bylaw petition. Our petition and advocacy have been ongoing for months, with the goal of ensuring the community’s voice is heard in protecting our public spaces. The misrepresentation of this timeline diminishes the hard work and dedication of the residents who have been rallying behind this cause since the spring. As a reminder, the deed for Stocker Playground clearly states that it is to be used “solely as a playground.” The proposed conversion of the ball courts into a dog park not only goes against this legal requirement but also undermines the town’s commitment to its youth and families. Over the past several months, I have followed up diligently and worked through proper channels to develop an article for consideration. Despite these efforts, there have been repeated delays in communication and progress. Coincidentally, after raising these concerns with The Boston Globe’s Spotlight Team and forwarding my correspondences regarding the petition and the lack of response, I received a reply from the Board of Selectmen within two hours—an unprecedented response to months of previous inquiries. The Board has now confirmed that the Protect and Preserve Saugus Playgrounds Through Governance Transparency and Accountability bylaw petition will be on the agenda for their January 21st meeting. My intention has always been to advocate for transparency and collaboration, not conflict. There have also been comments questioning my approach, suggesting I have been “disrespectful” in my advocacy. Let me make this clear: I am passionate about transparency and protecting our public spaces, and while I may speak bluntly at times, I have always remained respectful and professional in my communications with the Board of Selectmen and Town Council. My goal has always been to work collaboratively, and despite the repeated delays in this process, I continue to push for a solution that reflects the will of the community. I strongly urge all concerned residents to attend the January 21st Board of Selectmen meeting. The Board will discuss whether the article will be included on the warrant for the Annual May Town Meeting. It’s crucial that we show our support for preserving Stocker Playground and our public spaces for future generations. Thank you for your continued support in this important effort. Sincerely, Mark V. Sacco Jr. Precinct 3 Town Meeting member Saugus State Officials Urge Fire Safety During Open Burning Season Season Begins Tomorrow; Wildfires in Massachusetts and California Prompt Safety reminder S TOW – After an unprecedented fall fire season in Massachusetts and as wildfires rage in California, state officials are urging residents to protect themselves and their communities by following local and state restrictions on open burning. State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bonnie Heiple, and Chief Fire Warden David Celino of the Department of Conservation & Recreation said restrictions on open burning are imposed at the state and local levels. “Open burning season begins January 15 in communities where it’s allowed,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Even where burning is authorized, a permit from your local fire department is always required in advance and it’s your responsibility to be able to extinguish the fire on a moment’s notice. For two years in a row, Massachusetts residents have lost their lives when they couldn’t contain their fires – please make safety your priority when burning.” “Open burning is limited to protect public health and public safety,” said MassDEP Commissioner Heiple. “The governing laws and regulations are in place to reduce air pollution, property damage, and personal injury. If open burning is allowed in your community, please follow the local and state guidance to keep yourself, your neighbors, and our environment safe.” “This fall, residents across Massachusetts saw just how quickly outdoor fires can grow out of control,” said Chief Fire Warden Celino. “Right now, California is facing an even worse crisis with devastating fires consuming entire neighborhoods. Please don’t risk a fire that puts you, Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 your home, or your community at risk. Burn only approved materials and always get a permit from your local FIRE SAFETY | SEE PAGE 21
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