Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUly 17, 2026 Selectmen support audit of state Legislature A t Tuesday night’s meeting, the Saugus Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to send a letter to state legislative leaders expressing support for an audit of the state Legislature. “The Saugus Board of Selectmen writes to express strong support for implementing Question 1 from the November 2024 ballot, Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta wrote in a letter addressed to Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano and President of the Senate Karen E. Spilka. “The Saugus voters approved Question 1 by 71.9 percent, joining with 72 percent of voters statewide, authorizing State Auditor Diana DiZoglio to audit the Massachusetts Legislature, the letter continued. “The Legislature remains the only state entity that does not permit oversight by the State Auditor’s Office. While legislative leaders have claimed that internal audits conducted by a privately procured vendor are sufficient, the voters of Massachusetts have clearly expressed their desire for independent review. At a time when the Massachusetts Legislature ranks among the least transparent in the nation and is one of only four state legislatures exempt from public records laws, independent auditing is essential. “Government entities that self-regulate pose risks of self interest and reduced accountability to voters. Implementing this audit would enhance government transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. The Massachusetts Legislature shouldn’t be exempt from independent oversight, especially regarding the use of taxpayer funds. “We urge you to take the necessary steps to honor the will of the voters and allow the State Auditor’s Office to proceed with this audit.” Selectman Michael Serino noted that all 351 cities and towns are required to do a yearly audit. “I don’t see why the state Legislature should be exempt. They should do a yearly audit, too, to see that taxpayers’ money is spent appropriately,” Serino said. He also noted that the board has a good working relationship with the Saugus legislative delegation. “This is not about them in particular. This is about conducting yearly financial audits. Making sure the taxpayers’ dollars are appropriated and spent on issues that are appropriate and the bidding process is followed.” Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. Public Service Announcement WHAT: Saugus Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting. WHEN: 7 p.m., Thursday, July 23, 2026. WHERE: Town Hall Annex, 25 Main Street, Saugus, Mass. Meetings continued from June 25, 2026. 1. Application by 20 Bennett LLC for a comprehensive permit to authorize the construction of 300 rental apartment units, 25% (75) of which are affordable units at 80% AMI in four residential structures. 2. Petition of Maria DasDores DeSouza, 32 Bennett S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping Ave., seeking a Special Permit to add an addition. 3. Petition of Gerardo Acuna, 11 Harvard Ave., seeking a Special Permit to add a second story family Accessory Dwelling Unit. 4. Petition of Almed Hamdeh, 24 Ballard St., seeking to resolve a fence issue. 5. Petition of M & W Trust, 920 Broadway, for variances to redevelop the Kowloon property. 6. Petition of Miran and Dragana Vrankie, 214-218 Hamilton St., seeking variances. 7. Petition of Flippos Pappas, 34 Appleton St., seeking a variance for an addition, master bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet. 8. Brenda Sweetland Haggar, 17 Dudley St., seeking a variance for an accessory building. 9. Tom McGilley, 6 Eastside Ave., seeking a variance for a two-story detached garage as an accessory building. (For more information on the above Public Hearings, please contact Ms. Rebecca Johnson, Clerk, Saugus Board of Appeals, at 781-520-4032). ZBA Chair: Tom Traverse Local student receives degree from Quinnipiac University A lexandra McGuire, of Saugus, received a Doctor of Medicine during commencement ceremonies held in May. About Quinnipiac University: Quinnipiac is a private, coeducational institution located in Hamden, Connecticut. The university enrolls 9,700 students in more than 100 degree programs Like us on Facebook F advocate newspaper through its Schools of Business, Communications, Education, Computing and Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing and the College of Arts & Sciences. Quinnipiac is expanding innovative programs for both traditional and adult learners and developing dynamic corporate partnerships. For more information, please visit qu.edu. acebook.com/Advocate.news.ma
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