THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 13, 2023 ~ The Advocate Asks ~ Page 3 Charter Commission candidates share their views on what they see as the best ways to improve Saugus town government Editor’s Note: The creation of a commission to consider possible changes of the Town Charter is the top issue to be decided by Saugus voters in the Nov. 7 biennial town election. There will be a question on the ballot asking voters whether to elect a commission. There will be another question asking voters to choose the candidates they want on the Charter Commission. Their election will be contingent on voters approving the Charter Question. For this week’s column, we reached out to the 27 candidates running for nine seats on the proposed Charter Commission. Here are the answers we received from the members who emailed us back responses. Q: In 100 words or less, if you had the power, what would be the first thing you would do to improve Saugus town government? Robert James Camuso, Sr., who is also running for re-election to his Precinct 2 Town Meeting seat: “My answer if elected to the Charter Commission would be to see if we can better distribute more power towards the Board of Selectmen, seeing that they are primarily the traffic commission and liquor board right now. Reviewing the Charter might help improve the process of businesses getting established, open, and operating to generate revenue back to Saugus. There is a lot to take in and review to see its future impact which is why I’m doing this. I would prefer to stay a town but also want to explore all options which would benefit the town IMPROVING SAUGUS GOVERNMENT: Voters will get to decide on Nov. 7 whether they want to see possible changes in the way the Town of Saugus is run. There’s a ballot question asking whether to create a Charter Commission to study possible changes in the Saugus Town Charter. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) and all of its residents.” Anthony William Cogliano, chair of the Saugus Board of Selectmen for the past four years after finishing as top vote-getter in the last two town elections. He has been the driving force behind the campaign for a Charter Commission. He is also seeking a third straight two-year term on the Board of Selectmen. “I was first elected to the Board of Selectmen at the age of 25 and served for 10 years. I then took a 16-year break, returning to the board in 2019 where I have served as Chairman the past four years. As a member of the Moving Saugus Forward committee, my goal is to make our government more transparent and accountable to all the residents of Saugus. My priority is to have the Charter Commission vote passed, then take the next two years to work with the commission and the residents to find the path that best suits our future. As I look at our neighboring communities, it seems our town is stuck. I believe we can fix that. Moving Saugus Forward is about increasing accountability, community and transparency in town hall. Saugus is a great place to live and raise a family, but we are nowhere near our potential. I love 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut Street We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-7 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday $9.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Adult Night 18+ Only Private Parties Private Parties 4-7 p.m. $9.00 12-9 p.m. 7:30-11 p.m. $10. 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM $9.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com this town and want the best for all of us.” Kenneth L. DePatto, who has served more than 22 years as an appointed member of the town Finance Committee and its chair ASKS | SEE PAGE 12
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