Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 20, 2025 TOWN ELECTION | FROM PAGE 1 talking to people very fulfilling, and I want people to have enough time to talk to me before the election,” he said. Federico launched his campaign last Friday (June 13) night with a three-hour fundraiser at the Saugus VFW Post 2346 that drew 80 to 90 people and raised about $4,000. He said it was a low-key dinner affair in which those who attended could donate by cash or check. Based on the turnout, he said, he will have no problem obtaining the 50 certified signatures of registered voters to sign his nomination papers. Federico, a 35-year-old Malden native, is a 2008 graduate of Pope John XXIII High School in Everett. After High School, he decided to join the workforce. He got his real estate license and then got his contract supervisor’s license. He decided to move to town about a decade ago. “Saugus has been home for the past 10 years — and it’s where I’ve built everything that matters to me. I live here with my family, run my business here and care deeply about the future of this town,” Federico said this week. “In 2015, I founded FVF Renovations, a general contracting company based in Saugus. From small beginnings, the company has grown steadily through word-of-mouth and a strong commitment to doing quality work with integrity. Before that, I worked in real estate, where I saw firsthand how housing costs and Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net taxes impact working families. That experience led me to get more involved in town government and local policy,” he said. “I currently serve as a Town Meeting member representing Precinct Seven and sit on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Both roles have given me insight into how town decisions are made — and how important it is to include the voices of everyday residents in those decisions. I’ve never run for town-wide office before, but I believe Saugus is ready for leadership that’s independent, practical and accountable to the people who live here.” A strong start in town politics Federico ran for public office the first time two years ago, and he topped the field of six candidates for the five seats in Precinct 7. He bested all five incumbents running in the race. Town Meeting Member Stefano D’Anna lost his seat. As he completes the final six months of his two-year term, Federico expresses confidence that he can compete in a field of candidates in which up to four incumbents are expected to seek reelection. Selectman Corinne Riley announced earlier this year that she will not seek a fourth term on the board. And that decision is expected to widen the SAUGUS OVER COFFEE: During an interview at a local coffee shop this week, Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member Frank Federico explained the reasons why he plans to run for the Board of Selectmen in the Nov. 4 Town Election. (Saugus Advocate Photo by Mark E. Vogler) field of competition. Federico said he sees himself as an independent voice of the people who is not aligned with any particular political camp. “I don’t wish to be beholden to anybody,” Federico said. “I’m willing to work with anybody with any views, provided they keep an open mind in considering my ideas and that they treat me with respect. And I will do the same,” he said. “I think there needs to be a little more civility in government. I think we’ve gotten away from that, both locally and on the federal level. It would be nice to see us get back to that [civility],” he said. On the controversial issue of WIN Waste Innovations and its desire to expand the ash landfill near its trash-to-energy incinerator on Route 107, Federico said he’s “trying to remain neutral.” “I don’t want to be labeled ‘pro-WIN.’ But I don’t want to be labeled ‘anti-WIN’ either. I want to hear more from the residents on it. People vote you into office to be a voice for them — not yourself,” he said. “If the residents are ‘anti-WIN,’ I’ll support them. If they’re ‘pro-WIN,’ I’ll support that, too. I think WIN has made big strides in improving community relations with us. And I think there are valid points on both sides as to whether we need to close down the ash landfill,” he said. At the moment, it’s an issue that the town doesn’t have to make a decision on because existing state regulations won’t allow expansion of the ash landfill, which has about two to three years of life left. It would take a change in state regulations to allow farther expansion of the ash landfill. “It’s really out of our hands and more in the state’s hands,” Federico said. “It’s not just one issue” When pressed for a reason as to why he wants to be elected to the Board of Selectmen, Federico said there’s no primary issue that motivated him. “It’s not just one issue, it’s the TOWN ELECTION | SEE PAGE 8
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