THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTOBEr 10, 2025 Page 7 Town Election 2025 Eight candidates explain why they are best qualified to serve on the next Saugus School Committee (Editor’s Note: Today, in the first of a four-part series leading into the Nov. 4 Town Election, we asked each of the School Committee candidates the following question: What part of your background or past experience best qualifies you to be one of the five members on the next Saugus School Committee? Summarize in 300 words or less the chief assets you possess that set you apart from the other candidates. Here are the responses from the candidates who will be on the ballot seeking a twoyear term in one of the five seats. We have listed the candidates alphabetically.) Roberto Bruzzese, a career educator and former Saugus teacher: What best explains my qualifications and explains who I am as a person to best serve the school committee is first my compassion for society and people in our society. At an early age I realized that making a difference in the world is what is important for me to do. As a son of two Italian parents, I realized how tough it was for my parents to come to this country. At this point in my early life I realized getting an education and helping people was important. For me, the best way to do this was to become an educator and a mental health clinical therapist. After seven years of working at Saugus High School and 32 years overall as an educator, I feel that my compassion and experience can help the children and teachers in Saugus. Having both the compassion and experience will best help me be an active member of the school committee. Also, living in Saugus the last 10 years I have an understanding of the families and people in Saugus. All three of these components will make a powerful assist to the town, community and district. Since I am the only educator running for the committee, this will only benefit the community and get what needs to be done in the schools. To conclude, it is my understanding, experience and love of people that will help me be successful as a school committee member. Brian Doherty, a member of the town Finance Committee: I am confident that my background in finance will be a tremendous asset to our district if I am elected. From day one, I will conduct a thorough review of our financial operations to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively. I will ask the tough questions — are we maximizing our resources, eliminating waste, and exploring every opportunity to strengthen our revenue base? Once I have a complete understanding of our fiscal position, I will share a clear and comprehensive overview with the community so that every resident understands where we stand and where we are headed. I will also develop data-driven justifications for any requests for additional funding, illustrating both the necessity and the impact of those investments. Transparent, evidence-based decision-making will be at the heart of my approach. I will maintain open and consistent communication with the town manager, finance committee, and town meeting to ensure alignment and accountability throughout the budgeting process. I will provide regular updates on any post-approval budget adjustments, reinforcing transparency and trust across all levels of our local government. I believe we can build a stronger, more financially responsible future for our district. Andrew Finn, a parent of a child in the Saugus Public Schools: I have a daughter in 1st grade at the Veterans Early Learning Center, so I have a direct and personal stake in the long-term success of the Saugus school system. I want to make sure our schools continue to support students, teachers, and families effectively — not just for today, but for years to come. While I have not previously served on a school committee, I bring leadership experience from other community organizations. I served on the Leadership Committee of the New England Epilepsy Society and currently serve as Treasurer & IT Director for Volunteer Musicians for the Arts. Professionally, I have a strong background in quantitative analysis and problem-solving. I focus on facts, clear communication, and finding practical solutions. I believe this perspective will complement the strengths of others on the committee and help ensure thoughtful, responsible decision-making for Saugus schools. Joseph “Dennis” Gould, a former Saugus School Committee member: My past experience volunteering for five years as librarian at Veterans Memorial when it was K-5, four years on School Committee during COVID pandemic and past six years on Saugus School Committee Policy and Athletic Sub Committees , along with having a student in 10th grade I have brought to school and picked up every day since kindergarten, has kept my awareness of the needs of our students, teachers and School District Administrators current, so I would be able to contribute from Day 1 of new term and School Committee Team. I also during my stint on the School Committee, pushed for and was successful in getting a Librarian for Belmonte and an arts/music teacher for elementary. Reading development in early school years, in my opinion, is key to furthering academics and arts, music, sports and clubs are also key learning for leadership, teaming, problem solving and developing social skills to prepare our students for Military, apprenticeship in trades, college and/or workforce. Since I go to many of the boys and girls sporting events all three seasons and attend as many drama, chorus and band performances as I can, I get an opportunity to talk with many parents and get their feedback on what is working well and/or what we could be doing better in our district. I am ready to step in on Day one to make a positive impact on our School District. Please check #3 Gould on School Committee Ballot! Arthur Grabowski, a former Saugus School Committee member: “EXPERIENCE”...there can be no substitute for experience... when elected I will have no learning curve...having served several terms on the school committee I am well versed in the workings of the committee...I have participated in negotiating several collective bargaining agreements as well as food service, custodial and bussing contracts. I have extensive knowledge of the school department budget and what it takes to make the budget work to secure the best possible outcomes to enhance student achievement. I have attended several Massachusetts Association of School Committees week long training sessions when we networked and had discussions with school committees throughout the state. These training sessions and contacts allowed me to develop useful best practices as well as developing resource contacts to gain a wider view of what kind of school system allows for the best outcomes in student achievement.. Probably my best experience I have developed during my past membership of the school committee is an extensive line item by line item understanding of the budget....Saugus is facing some important decisions that will have to be made concerning the best allocation of funds that we have to work with....there is no open checkbook, pot of money sitting somewhere that we can draw on to spend without facing some far reaching consequences....I have developed a good working relationship with the Town Manager and other town meeting members so that the school budget gets adequate funding to accomplish the goal of increased student achievement. I believe that my past experience uniquely qualifies me for one of your five votes for School Committee. Thank You. Stephanie Mastrocola, incumbent Saugus School Committee member: EIGHT CANDIDATES| SEE PAGE 8 Be prepared before the next power outage. Receive a free 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase* - valued at $535. 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