THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 Page 3 ~ THE ADVOCATE ASKS ~ TOWN ELECTION 2021: Candidates for Saugus Board of Selectmen and School Committee cite the major reasons why they are running to serve their community Editor’s Note: 39 days from today, Saugus voters will go to the polls for the town’s biennial election. The five seats on both the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee will be the featured town-wide races on the Nov. 2 ballot, which will also include a seat on the Housing Authority and 50 Town Meeting seats – five members to be selected in each of the 10 precincts. Beginning in this week’s issue and the five remaining editions of The Saugus Advocate published before the town election, we will dedicate this space to questions to the 10 candidates running for the Board of Selectmen and the seven candidates competing for the five School Committee positions. With the lack of candidate forums between now and Town Election Day, we decided to reach out to the candidates aspiring to two-year terms on the town’s two most prominent elected bodies and give them an opportunity to define the essence of their campaigns and what sets them apart from their political opponents. For the Board of Selectmen Q: In 75 words or less, what is the single most important reason why you have decided to run for the Saugus Board of Selectmen this year? The incumbents: Selectmen Jeffrey V. Cicolini A: The Town is entering a critical phase of our long-term planning. First, the 2-year moratorium on multi-family construction is set to expire and second, finalization of the update to our Master Plan. I anticipate many applications for licenses and permits coming before the board and will continue to use my experience and business acumen to make certain I only support permits or licenses that are fully in the best interest of the town. Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony W. Cogliano Sr. A: I’m running again because I love this Town. I was born here and I’m sure I’ll die here. It’s been a pleasure to serve this community as long as I have and with your support I’ll get to do it for another two years. My hope has always been to make Saugus a better place for the people that matter most...our families, our friends, and our neighbors. Like my good friend Dick Barry always said, “There’s no substitute for experience and he was right. This year we have 10 extremely qualified individuals vying for 5 seats...I wish everyone the best and no matter what happens...it’s always “Saugus First.” Selectman Debra C. Panetta A: It’s been my honor and privilege to represent Saugus residents. Although there are many largeSAUGUS TOWN HALL: Five challengers will be running against the five incumbent members of the Board of Selectmen in the Nov. 2 Town Election, making it the most competitive race on the ballot. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) SAUGUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES: All five School Committee members are running for another two-year term in the Nov. 2 Town Election. But two other candidates are running for a spot on the committee. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) scale projects being discussed, like a West Side Fire Station and various economic development initiatives, sometimes it’s the smaller issues that need attention. Residents need to have a voice for matters that impact their quality of life. I appreciate hearing from residents, listening to concerns, and following-up with results. I will always stay true for what’s fair, right, and just. Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Corinne Riley A: I ran in 2019 to promote transparency and accountability, community input, better planning, a third fire station, Economic Development, address Wheelabrator, and better cooperation with the State. Even though COVID became a priority, progress has been made on all these goals, but more needs to be done. I’m running to get the Master Plan and Fire Station off the ground, complete a Wheelabrator agreement, revitalize Cliftondale, continue improving communication and transparency, and engage the community. Selectman Michael J. Serino A: The single most important reason why I have decided to run for the Board of Selectmen is my deep caring of our community. I ASKS | SEE PAGE 5
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