THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, SEpTEmbEr 22, 2023 Page 5 Town Election 2023 Questions about the Charter Commission ballot question (Editor’s Note: Mary Kinsell recently conducted a question and answer interview with Marcia Pollack, chair of the town’s Board of Registrars, regarding the Charter Commission ballot question that voters will consider during the Nov. 7 Town Election. She requested that we publish her Q & A in hopes of educating the voters about the upcoming election. Kinsell is the treasurer of the Saugus Democratic Town Committee and a member of the committee’s Outreach Committee.) Q: Some people are confused about this ballot question regarding the Charter Commission. Is it a foregone conclusion that Saugus will have a Charter Commission because it’s on the ballot? A: Not necessarily. The question on the ballot will be: “Shall a commission be elected to revise the charter of the Town of Saugus?” Q: You mean the voters can vote “No” on the ballot question and the Charter Commission will not be formed? A: Yes. The Charter Commission could be voted down if enough voters feel that a Charter Commission is neither required nor desirable. Q: If it’s possible that the Charter Commission will be voted down, why are we voting to elect commissioners to the Charter Commission? A: The ballot question will ask “IF the question passes, who are your choices for Charter Commission?” Each voter may vote for nine candidates. Currently there are 30 candidates of which the nine highest vote-getters will be elected – but only if the question passes. Q: If the town votes down the ballot question and no Charter Commission is formed, what happens? A: In that case, no Charter Commission will be formed, the election of Charter Commission members will be null and void and everything will remain as it is today. Q: Is the only purpose of a Charter Commission to decide whether or not Saugus should remain a town or become a city? A: No. It’s possible that the Charter Commission could recommend that Saugus remain a town, but that some modifications or changes be made to its current charter. If the final report of the charter commission recommends a new charter or charter revisions, it must then be approved by the voters of the Town of Saugus at the next regular municipal election. Q: Is there any other way to make changes to our charter? A: Yes. Town Meeting could choose to form a Charter Review Committee to take public input and make Charter change recommendations. 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Daily 4:00 PM Closed Sunday Starting Monday, September 11... We’re back to serving our Full Menu featuring all your favorite Italian Specialties and American Classics! Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s www.eight10barandgrille.com SABATINO INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welcome the loyal customers of PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
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