THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 ~ Letter to the Editor ~ Page 7 The people of Saugus deserve a say in what happens to our playgrounds Dear Editor, Saugus playgrounds are vital community assets that provide recreational opportunities, promote mental and physical well-being, and strengthen neighborhood ties. However, recent events have underscored the urgent need for stronger governance to protect these spaces. As part of the Protect and Preserve Saugus Playgrounds movement, we introduced a proposed by-law aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and community involvement in decisions affecting our playgrounds. This measure would require public hearings, mandate transparency in decision-making, and establish an oversight committee to safeguard playgrounds from improper repurposing. Unfortunately, despite following proper procedures, the Board of Selectmen refused to allow my constituents to speak to their article on the night it was warranted for Town Meeting—an article backed by over 130 petitioners who opposed the Stocker Dog Park proposal. This deliberate obstruction not only silenced the voices of concerned residents but also highlighted the very issue we seek to address—ensuring that decisions about our public spaces are made openly and with community input. Moreover, I have heard from residents in other precincts who share similar concerns, particularly regarding the search for a future cemetery plot at Lynnhurst Playground. If the administration is successful in pushing a dog park at Stocker Playground despite community opposition, it could set a dangerous precedent for repurposing other playgrounds—such as using Lynnhurst for a cemetery. This is why transparency and public input are critical in these decisions. The people of Saugus deserve a say in what happens to our playgrounds. As we move forward, I urge all residents to stay informed and get inUMass Amherst announces Fall 2024 Dean’s List T he following students from Saugus were named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s List at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students are appointed to the Dean’s List at the end of a semester in which they have completed a minimum of 12 graded credits and have earned a grade point average of 3.500 or better. Matthew Banwait Serena Cacciola Rayan Chahid Jonathan Charlier Matthew Cunningham Christopher Denovellis Lucca Garcia Mikayla Hashem Isabella Henriques Josh Jain Sophia Jiang Bryant Lam Kiara LoNigro Anthony Macone Karen Maradiaga Mendoza Meghan McCarthy Madelyne Net Hannah O’Brien Lauren Pozark Safwan Rahman Siddhi Sharma Kyle Surette Nadine Taboubi Marianna Tamayo Palacio Dominic Trabucco volved. If you value our limited recreational spaces, I encourage you to reach out to your respective Town Meeting members and voice your support for greater transparency in decisions aff ecting our playgrounds. Together, we can protect and preserve these cherished spaces for future generations. Sincerely, Mark V. Sacco Jr. Precinct 3 Town Meeting member If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available
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