THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 Page 7 ASKS | FROM PAGE 6 Q: So, what are some of the things you have helped to accomplish for Saugus that you are proud of? A: Getting money for the lighting at the street crossings. Last year we got $50,000, which paid for three street crossing signs. People wanted more, so next year there will be $100,000. I’ve already got that, so we could be getting six more flashing signs for street crossings, depending on the costs of each one. It’s things like that – that the state can do to help local governments. Another thing that I’ve been working on is the Kasabuski Rink. I’ve been working with the DCR [state Department of Conservation & Recreation], and we finally got the skating rink open with new management, and they put $6.5 million into the skating rink. It’s been a long time coming, but we finally got it. A lot of people are using the facility now. They’ve even got an electric Zamboni machine. Before, it was diesel, which wasn’t very good for the public. Q: Some state legislators make passing legislation their top priority. There are others that emphasize local constituent service. And then there are other legislators that pride themselves on a blend of both. What kind of legislator do you see yourself as? A: I have passed bills for people in my district. And here’s one that is constituent service and passing a bill at the same time: Several years ago I had a constituent who lost his son in combat overseas. He had Gold Star plates on his vehicle. And when he went to renew the plates, the Registry of Motor Vehicles took them away because he had them on a commercial vehicle. I wrote up a bill that was signed into law which allowed the constituent to have Gold Star plates on his commercial vehicle as long as there was no advertising of the business on the vehicle, so he was able to get his Gold Star plates back. Q: What is your greatest accomplishment since being in the Legislature? A: That’s hard to say because there are so many things: Route 1 getting paved, the schools getting archery and robotics. I still think that getting all the water and sewer pipes replaced on Route 1 and then getting it paved was great for Route 1 and the town. I’ve done a lot of work for the veterans. And I’ve worked to help public safety in Saugus – both the Police and the Fire Departments. This year with the Fire Department, I got them money to get new walkie-talkies. I also got money so the Police Department could get walkie-talkies. And I helped get $25,000 for a new animal control offi cer’s car. Two years ago, I worked with other representatives and officials from Taiwan [ROC or the Republic of China] in getting free masks distributed among communities throughout Massachusetts. Q: So, how old are you now? A: I turned 70 in January. Q: So, how long do you want to continue being the state rep from Saugus? A: As long as I can make a difference for my community, I will continue to serve. Our parents are the ones who instilled in us “Give back to the community” by working in government and also in our business – by giving back to the community. Q: So, 10 years from now – if you are still in good health and still enjoy public service and keep getting reelected – can we expect to see you as the state rep from Saugus? A: I don’t see myself still doing this 10 years from now. As legislators, we have in our heart to work for the good of the community. But as local officials, we sacrifice a lot. Our families sacrifice a lot. We have a family business and fortunately my siblings allow me to do what I’m doing – my three brothers and two sisters. There’s six of us, and we’re all involved. Q: And you still have your mom, and is she still involved in the family business? A: My mom is 94 years. She doesn’t come to the restaurant any more – only on special occasions. SPL Foundation Bingo fundraiser a great success HIS POLITICAL ROOTS: State Rep. Donald H. Wong (R-Saugus) is shown at left standing in front of Saugus Town Hall, where he began his political career in 2005 as a member of the Saugus Annual Town Meeting. He later served four years as chair of the Saugus Board of Selectmen before he got elected to the State House in 2010. Joining him last December for the town’s annual tree lighting were his former campaign manager – Selectman Corinne Riley – and her husband, Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Christopher Riley. HELPING THE LIBRARY: Saugus Public Library Foundation President Kristen Tozza (second from left) recently thanked the major sponsors of the Foundation’s Virtual Bingo Night for their support of the successful fundraising event that benefi ts the library’s programs and services. Event sponsors included (from left) Northshore Bank, represented by Kim Lovett, Vice President Compliance & Risk Management; The Savings Bank, represented by Foundation Vice President Joe Scurio, Vice President, Commercial Banking Offi cer; and Webster First Federal Credit Union, represented by Foundation Treasurer Bruce M Torrey, Branch Manager. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by JC Marketing Associates of Wakefi eld)
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