Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTOBEr 10, 2025 ~ Letter-to-the-Editor ~ Sheriff Coppinger calls treatment, rehabilitation and re-entry programs “the new benchmarks in corrections” Dear Editor: Sheriffs across Massachusetts are under the microscope, but for all the wrong reasons. At the Essex County Sheriff ’s Department, we are proud of the vital work we do every day: maintaining a secure environment for those needing incarceration while also treating substance use disorders, providing mental health care, and preparing individuals for successful re-entry back into our communities. This is the work that truly keeps people safe. For most people, especially those who have no reason to interact with the Sheriff ’s If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available Department, our mission often runs behind the scenes. However, the services we provide, and the opportunities we off er, are critical to public safety and the quality of life for all who live, work, or travel through our 34 cities and towns. Our Supporting Transitions and Re-entry (STAR) centers in Lynn and Lawrence are perfect examples. These community-based programs connect justice-involved individuals — and those at risk — to hundreds of local services, from education and counseling to housing and workforce training. For people leaving incarceration, STAR provides continuity of care by linking them directly to many of the same evidence-based programs we off er inside our facilities. The results speak for themselves: recidivism rates for those who participate in our programs have dropped to just 17.4%, an extraordinary success. We have also been labeled as a national leader in innovation with our Medication Assisted Treatment program. Today, 225 people receive daily treatment through this program, which combines medication with wraparound support such as counseling and sober housing. We recently hosted correctional leaders from across the country to learn about and duplicate our program in places like Ventura County, California and Arlington, Virginia. And our commitment doesn’t stop there. Last month, 163 incarcerated individuals were recognized LETTER | SEE PAGE 8 ~ Political Announcement ~ John Chipouras seeks a four-year term on the Saugus Housing Authority M y name is John Chipouras. I am running for a four year seat on the Saugus Housing Authority. I am a graduate of Boston State College with a major in Business Management. I worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield for thirty years as a Systems Manager. I have been a resident of Saugus for thirty seven years with my wife Cathy, my son Christian and my daughter Karina. I have been an elected member of Saugus Town Meeting Precinct 7 for fi ve terms. I was a member of the Saugus Playground Commission and the Saugus Retirement Board. During that time I presented the Town Manager, Richard Cardillo with an idea for a clock on the Town Hall Steeple. I received donations from town residents. I am running for Saugus Housing Authority to focus on the following: providing and managing federal and state subsidized housing for seniors, Veterans, low income families, people with disabilities, as well as tenant rights and eligibility. I would appreciate your consideration for this great opportunity.
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