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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023 Page 11 Revere City Councillors vote to send letter to protest Saugus Board of Selectmen Chair’s social media remarks By Barbara Taormina R evere city councillors did not hesitate to support a motion cosponsored by Councillors-at-Large Steven Morabito and Marc Silvestri that the Revere City Council send a letter to the Saugus Board of Selectmen to express solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and to denounce the toxic and homophobic comments made by Saugus Board of Selectmen Chairman Anthony Cogliano on social media. “I was appalled,” said Morabito, who spoke briefl y about the discrimination, ridicule and intolerance he and other members of the gay community have experienced. Morabito condemned Cogliano’s hate speech, which occurred during an online conversation with a Lynn resident who criticized Cogliano’s role in a municipal trash contract. “Adding to the insult, the selectman refused to apologize for his words,” said Morabito. While it was personal for Morabito, it was also professional. “It is my belief, when you are an elected official, that the words spoken and written by an elected offi cial should be chosen thoughtfully and to a high standard. Because, as an elected offi - cial, the people you represent chose you to be the voice and champion their issues,” said Morabito. He went on to say that fellow councillors know the harassment he has endured while serving on the City Council. “Off ensive behavior is unacceptable,” he added. Councillor Silvestri agreed that elected offi cials are held to a higher standard. “Everyone can lose their head and say things that are off ensive, but there’s a moment when you have to say, ‘I screwed up’ and apologize.” Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Fire Chief Newbury cites increase in salaries and wages for full-time staff By Mark E. Vogler F ire Chief Michael C. Newbury said an increase of more than $100,000 in his budget request for the 2024 Fiscal Year that begins July 1 reflects a decision to take on federally-funded fi refighting positions on a fulltime basis. His $6.4-million budget request for the fi scal year is about $200,000 more than the current year. The Fire Department has been taking advantage of grants from the Federal EmerWHY ITS RIGHT | FROM PAGE 8 lectively votes in favor of this proposal based on the overwhelming support from the constituency that elects them,” Vecchione wrote in an email to Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano. Vecchione was one of about a dozen people who spoke during the public comment session Tuesday night during the continuance of the public hearing on the permit request. He read the following petition in its entirety: “We, the undersigned residents and registered voters of the Town of Saugus hereby submit the following petition for Board of Selectmen Consideration and for public record: “We, the constituency that elects the Board of Selectmen, strongly urge the Board to grant the Special Permit (S-2) to Mr. Antonio Moura De Jesus to opgency Management Association (FEMA)’s Staffi ng for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program to fund the hiring and training of new fi refi ghters. During a recent budget briefing before the Finance, Chief Newbury also noted that repairs last year to the Ladder 1 fi re truck “ate up 50 percent of our mechanic’s budget” last year, including a $30,000 repair bill. A replacement aerial has been purchased and is scheduled to be delivered in late erate Moura Tattoo Studio at 28 Hamilton St. We believe that the location, business plan and proposed use of the currently vacant space adjacent to the commercial Hamilton Plaza and across the street from the Public Safety building meets all Special Permit criteria to receive a positive vote from the Board of Selectmen. Physical factors that have been considered are as followed: • The entrance is setback 35 feet from the sidewalk and there is minimal interaction with the building entry and those accessing the public sidewalk. • The studio is located within a B-1 Business zoning district. • There is adequate dedicated parking directly in front of the establishment to further shield the entry and minimize distance the customer needs to walk to and from their vehicle to the establishment. • The small front and side facade windows are current2025, according to the chief’s report. Chief Newbury said Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree has often sought state and federal monies so the department could fund additional staff . The Fire Department responded to 123 fi res last year. 3,481 rescue and emergency calls and 733 false alarms. Chief Newbury focused on these priorities in his budget request: — Facility repairs at both stations including a capital investment in a new split zone ly shaded and the Board may condition that the windows remain shaded if visibility into the establishment is deemed problematic by members of the Board. • Sessions are by appointment only and, as a result of this business model, no loitering will be present similar to the function of spas, salons and masseuses. • The establishment is 18-plus, requires a scannable ID and there is no retail component that would permit anyone underage from even entering the building. • The establishment abuts commercial spaces at both side yards (a hair salon and a convenience store) and the entrance to the Public Safety building is directly across the street. We believe tattoo stigma should not exist in 2023 and recognize tattoo artists as positive, Fire Chief Michael C. Newbury briefs the Finance Committee on his budget request last week. (Saugus Advocate Photo by Mark E. Vogler) air conditioning system at Essex Street and fi xing the outside stairs at Central Station. — Focus on state and federal grant opportunities to best manage current infl ation. talented assets to our small business community both on and off of Route 1. We believe that Saugus should embrace small locally owned businesses looking to invest in town, specifi cally Mr. Moura whose stellar reputation and impressive art precedes him. Additionally, along with substantial fi nancial investment in the property to date by the applicant. The occupation of an underutilized and vacant building at 28 Hamilton St. will positively contribute to the existing neighborhood fabric, specifi - cally one with adjacent compatible commercial uses. We reject the notion that the presence of tattoo studios, specifi cally and especially in a location like 28 Hamilton St. and its associated physical properties, negatively, adversely or impulsively infl uence children, teens or adults alike. We also reject the antiquated stigma that individuals with visible tattoos — Process at the fi nancials of purchase of both the new pumper and aerial with an emphasis on equipping the apparatus during the purchase process. represent an undesirable demographic of people that are not well suited in a neighborhood like the one this studio is proposed in. The social acceptance of tattoos both at a personal and professional level is widespread in 2023. Tattoos, in many cases, symbolize something of signifi cance and meaning in people’s lives. Given the applicant’s incredibly impressive portfolio of work, we should be proud that he is seeking to share his gift with the residents of Saugus and do business in Saugus. This is the right business for the area. The undersigned constituency strongly urges the Board of Selectmen to exercise common sense and consider all of the above factors including the overwhelming support as recorded in this petition and lack of opposition, objection and concern from abutters, municipal departments and Saugus residents alike. when we have to speak out. Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto said he supported Morabito, but he thought it was illegal to send a letter to Saugus. Zambuto said Cogliano’s constitutional right to free speech allowed him to say what he wanted, even if it was rude and off ensive. Despite Zambuto’s warnSteven Morabito Councillor-at-Large When confronted, the selectman doubled down,” said Silvestri, adding that that’s ing, the City Council voted to send a letter to the Saugus Selectmen. After the vote, City Council President Patrick Keefe told Morabito he has watched as his courage has grown over time. “I stand behind you,” Keefe told Morabito.

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