THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 12, 2023 ~ The Advocate Asks ~ Page 3 Town Counsel John J. Vasapolli discusses his 42 years of giving legal advice to Town of Saugus officials Editor’s Note: For this week’s column, we sat down with Saugus Town Counsel John Vasapoli, who has been giving legal advice to Saugus town government officials and boards for more than four decades. Vasapolli, 71, was born in Lynn and moved with his family to Saugus when he was three. He wanted to attend Saugus High School, but his parents wanted him to go to a parochial school, so he attended St. Mary’s in Lynn, where he graduated in 1970. He was voted “Most Likely To Succeed” in his class. Both of his grandparents immigrated from Sicily. His father’s family grew up in the Brickyard of Lynn. His grandfather on his dad’s side of the family was a foreman at Lynn Gas and Electric. Vasapolli’s father worked for more than 30 years at GE and died at age 55. In 1974, Vasapolli graduated with cum laude honors from Providence College with a bachelor’s degree in the Humanities. He put himself through Suffolk Law School without a car, walking from School Street to Cliftondale Square to catch a bus to Boston. Vasapolli recalled that he didn’t get his first car until he was 26. He paid $900 for a Mercury Montego and had to borrow $300 from his best friend to insure the car. He graduated from Suffolk Law School in 1977 and passed the bar exam soon after. He got involved in Saugus local government, serving as an associate member of the Board of Appeals and later was appointed to the Board of Assessors. Vasapolli applied for daily basis, you are rendering legal advice to town officials. You’re involved in most of the decisions that are made as an advisor. My nickname is “The Consigliere.” “The Consigliere,” like in “The Godfather” (the movie).” So, you’re basically corporate counsel. ASKS | SEE PAGE 4 9 David Vasapoli (right) is following in his father John’s footsteps as a lawyer in the Saugus Law Office of Vasapolli & Ricciardelli. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) an opening as assistant town counsel and took the position in 1980. Opportunity knocked after six months on the job. Bradbury Gilbert retired as town counsel after 19 years. Vasapolli was appointed to fill the position he’s held ever since. Vasapolli got married and raised a family. His wife Linda, from Lynn, is a nurse. They have two sons: Joseph, 38, of Chelmsford, is a property manager; David, 32, of Georgetown, has worked six and a half years as an attorney for his father in the Saugus Law Office of Vasapolli & Ricciardelli. The firm specializes in probate and family law, estate planning, business law and personal injury. Vasapolli is a former president of the Essex Bar Association, served as a hearing officer for the Board of Bar Overseers and recently served on the Joint Bar Committee, which makes gubernatorial recommendations on whether candidates are qualified for judgeships. He is also a member of the Greater Lynn Bar Association. Highlights of this week’s interview follow. Q: For the benefit of Saugus Advocate readers, what is the role of the Town Counsel, or Town Attorney? A: In that position, you are the legal advisor to all town officials. You have to advise them on all legal matters. You have to attend all of the Town Meetings, advise the Town Meeting and Moderator. You review contracts for the town manager. You’re appointed by the town manager. And on a 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut St. We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-8 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday $9.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Adult Night 18+ Only Wednesday Thursday Friday Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Private Parties Private Parties 4-11 p.m. Saturday 12-11 p.m. $9.00 $9.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com
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