Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUly 17, 2026 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus I truly believe that state legislative leaders who steadfastly oppose a full-scale audit of the state Legislature – something that should have happened automatically after Massachusetts voters approved Ballot Question One by a 72 percent margin in the 2024 election – are hypocrites if they advocate for a transparent state government. By taking the position that the Legislature should be exempt from a thorough review of its fiscal operations, they place themselves above the law that the rest of government must follow. Where legislative fiscal affairs are considered, they obviously don’t think the public has a right to know about those matters. And for those of us who support open government in its purest form, it makes a mock96TH ANNUAL ery of those high ideals. The state of Massachusetts has a long ways to go on the road to becoming a hallmark of open government. I say this as a longtime journalist whose perspective was shaped by seven years as a newspaper editor and reporter in Florida, during the late 70s through mid-80s. Back in those days, it was clear that Florida’s Sunshine Laws were light years ahead of Massachusetts. CusGrande Festa in Honor of San Rocco August 7th, 8th, & 9th, 2026 Feast hours: Friday 6-11pm; Saturday 6-11pm; Sunday 1-9pm Pearl and Thacher Streets. Parking Info: Parking around the streets of the Feast. Free residential parking. Located on T Route: Malden Center - Orange Line todians of public records could be fined, removed from public office, lose their job and even be prosecuted for violating the state Open Meeting and Public Records Laws. Public records had to be turned over immediately when requested. Meanwhile, back in Massachusetts, records custodians had 10 calendar days to provide copies of public documents. And nobody goes to jail for violating so-called Open Government laws. Fines are rare, too. A few years ago, the state’s Public Records law was weakened even more by allowing records custodians to wait up until 10 business days to provide the records, meaning the clock stopped on weekends and holidays. When I was down in Florida, the Legislature was subject to audits. And as a working member of the press, I could obtain a draft copy of such an audit if I knew it was available. I have fond memories of those days when I practiced my profession as a newspaperman covering government in the sunshine. So where do members of the Saugus Legislative Delegation and other candidates who will be facing them stand on the question of auditing the state Legislature? That’s a question that I plan to ask each of the candidates I interview in this year’s fall state elections. Stay tuned. Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be closed today (Friday, July 17). It will be open all other Fridays in July with its regular hours of 9:3011 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. The food pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Friday mornings. Volunteers are also welcome. Please call the Food Pantry Office (781-2332663) or go to the website (cliftondalecc.org) for details. Help the Cancer Fighting Angels on Sunday If you love checking out clasTHE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 9 Wildfire Band SeaBreeze w/ Steven Savio Friday, August 7th 6:00 PM - Stands open 6:30 PM - Procession from the Italian American Citizens Club Pearl St 7-11 PM - Wildfire Performs Live Saturday, August 8th 6 PM - Stands Open 7-11 PM - Wildfire Band performs live WildFire is a 5-pc. band that packs the power of a 10-piece. The band covers everything from AC/DC and Journey to the likes of R & B greats, to the hip shaking sounds of Shakira and Lady GaGa. Back to the 80’s Band Sunday, August 9th 1:00 PM - Procession w/ Statue of St. Rocco 2-5 PM - ‘SeaBreeze’ w/ Steven Savio live 6-9 pm - ‘Back to the 80’s’ performs live Where were you in the eighties? Playing PAC-MAN? Watching General Hospital? Whatever your memories, BACK TO THE 80s BAND will bring them all flooding back with a smile-and a backbeat you won’t be able to resist. Malden Native & Entertainer Dave Russo Special Appearance BY Beer and Wine Garden, Raffle, Food, Games and Live Entertainment all weekend. Fun for everyone! www.SaintRoccosFeast.org LET’S DANCE! Carol Drake stepped back into the 70s, dressing head to toe in fashion for the Saugus Senior Center Disco Party on Tuesday, July 14. (Courtesy photo of Joanie Allbee)
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