THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 27, 2023 Page 13 ASKS | FROM PAGE 10 taminated auto salvage yard and replace it with a state of the art facility creating hundreds of jobs for our residents. Hilco also tore down a decaying dock along the Saugus River and replaced it with what will be a beautiful River Walk along the river for all Saugus residents to enjoy. When you step back and look at the big picture, no one is doing more for our environment than me. Sebastian DiModica IV: My name is Sebastian DiModica. I am currently running for Selectman in the Town of Saugus. I was asked what my environmental outlook for the town looks like. A few ideas: I would like to see a common grow area where we take one of the unused pieces of land, and turn it into a spot where people can come and grow gardens and people can pick vegetables for free and fruit. I would like to see the dying and diseased trees around town removed and new ones planted. I am currently doing some research on the WIN waste plant. There is a lot of concern in the town about pollution, etc. and I’m working to educate myself on the regulations and mandates that they are required to abide by and if something needs to be revisited. I reside not too far from the WIN plant and, to be quite honest, I’ve never really looked into it much so I will be doing my homework so I then can have an educated understanding of how it operates. I’ll finish with saying thank you for inviting me here tonight, and allowing me an opportunity to introduce myself as a candidate for Selectman in the Town of Saugus. Have a blessed evening. Debra C. Panetta: My environmental vision has been shaped by over three decades of involvement in the environmental affairs of Saugus. I currently serve as the Vice Chairman of the Saugus Board of Selectmen, the President of the Saugus River Watershed Council, past-President, and current member of SAVE, and a member of Conservation Law, Alliance for Health and the Environment, and the Garden Club. In June 2018, I received an award from SAVE for my commitment to protect the environment. In October 2019, I received the 2019 John O’Conner Grassroots Leadership Award from Clean Water Action. I have been endorsed by the Sierra Club. My vision for Saugus includes a clean, healthy, and attractive environment. The air we breathe, the space we share, the energy we consume, and the water we protect are all critical aspects of my vision. Most important is my personal belief that as a Selectman, my actions will not result in environmental degradation. I have not and will not allow any proposal or project that would result in direct or eventual environmental harm. I believe my actions as a sitting Selectman are consistent with my belief that we should do everything we can to protect our valuable natural resources to ensure a healthy Saugus for future generations. Natural areas such as Rumney Marsh, Pranker’s Pond, the Saugus River, and Breakheart Reservation help promote and preserve healthy neighborhoods, provide opportunities for recreation, and are an important part of our town’s economy. While I support economic development, I believe that such economic development must balance the protection of our valuable natural resources with opportunities for quality growth and appropriate redevelopment. I will not support any expansion of the WIN Waste facility. I’ve attended several neighborhood meetings to discuss the various issues (e.g., noise, odor, air quality, fires) surrounding this facility. I helped coordinate various education forums on incineration, landfills, and waste alternatives. I strongly supported Representative Giannino’s and Turco’s three house bills (H816, H817, and H818). I also attended the State meetings on the solid waste master plan. I support the Town’s capital and infrastructure improvements, which looks at our capital exposure to bring safe, environmentally friendly, and energy efficiencies for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Saugus was again reaffirmed as a green community which is beneficial when applying for grants. I was an early supporter of the Bike to the Sea rail trail. I’m a strong supporter of parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities. My goal is to always do the right thing for the environment while extending Saugus taxpayers’ dollars. While serving as a Saugus Selectman, our environment will continue to be an area of focus. A thoughtful and proactive approach to our environment is good for homeowners, neighborhoods, and businesses. Protecting and enriching our environment does not have to be radical or painful. It requires skilled staff, innovative ideas, and leaders who have vision. I believe my record proves that I have the vision needed to continue providing a balanced approach to protecting Saugus’ natural resources ASKS | SEE PAGE 14
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