THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 27, 2023 Page 15 ~ Political Announcement ~ Ken DePatto has announced his candidacy for Charter Commission Town Election 2023 School Committee members and challengers will share their education views at a candidates’ forum next week C DePatto Family: left to right: Krystina, Andrew, Max, Sharon and Ken. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate) Dear Saugus Voters, I have lived at 137 Main Street for the last 27 years with my wife Sharon, daughter Krystina and son Andrew. I originally lived and was raised in Dorchester and attended Boston Technical High School in Roxbury. I attended Salem State College, now University, and I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), with a Major Concentration in Management, and a Minor in Accounting and Economics. With this financial and management background, over 22 years ago I decided to apply and was appointed to the Finance Committee. For the last 10 years I have been voted by my fellow Finance Committee Members with the honor and privilege of being Chairman. I am running for a position on the Charter Commission, if a majority of the voters approve that question on the ballot, to ensure that the financial and operational stability of our Town remains a paramount priority. Currently our Town wields an extraordinary AA+ bond rating that was awarded to us by Standard and Poor’s which is a global financial institution. In the Stabilization Fund, which may also be referred to as a RainyDay Fund, there is in excess of $10,000,000 dollars. That is a significant accomplishment for our community and is integral in obtaining and sustaining our AA+ bond rating. Our Town has saved a significant amount of money by utilizing our bond rating, which has facilitated the construction of our stunning Middle/ High School, two state of the art playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts and the reconstruction of Hamilton Street and Lincoln Ave. Town Meeting also allocated an additional $2,000,000 dollars for the rehabilitation of our playgrounds. The Town has implemented a significant capital improvement plan which has resulted in new equipment for Public Works, Police and Fire departments. The police and fire departments are also at record high employment levels, which helps create a safer community for us. The Fire Department currently has on order a brand-new ladder and pumper truck which will replace old and at end-of-life equipment. In addition, our Town has revitalized the water and sewer infrastructure which will ensure proper service to our residents by saving money on repairs, renting equipment and water leakage. There are candidates running for Charter Commission that have advocated transforming our Town into a City form of government and I do NOT agree with their perspectives. I ask you the people, with all the accomplishments listed above and good things on the horizon, do you believe we need to change our form of government? I humbly ask for your vote for Charter Commission to ensure our Town’s financial and operational stability is safeguarded from potential detrimental changes and ask you the voters to reject and vote NO on the creation of a Charter Commission as this is a two-vote issue. Thank You Kenneth “Ken” DePatto 137 Main Street urrent School Committee Chair Vincent A. Serino drew the first name on the ballot in the upcoming town election set for Nov. 7. Former School Committee Chair Thomas Whittredge, who resigned from the committee early in his second term last year to spend more time with his children after his wife had died, drew the last of seven positions on the election ballot for the five School Committee seats. Whittredge has been the top vote-getter among School Committee candidates in the last two town elections. Serino and Whittredge, who held the leadership positions on ASKS | FROM PAGE 14 ment in protecting our environment. Thank you. Sandro Pansini Souza: Our town’s beauty lies in its historic significance or community spirit and its natural surroundings. As a potential selectman, my vision is rooted in the belief that every resident deserves a clean, safe, and vibrant environment to live, work, and play. We must preserve our precious green spaces, like the Rumney Marsh Reservation, for us and future generations. These spaces are not merely plots of land; they are the lungs of our communithe School Committee over the past four years consecutively, are expected to share their views on the future of the town’s public education system at a School Committee candidates’ forum set for a live broadcast on Saugus TV Channel 8 at 6 p.m. next Wednesday, Nov. 1. Also invited to attend the forum are School Committee Members Leigh M. Gerow (second on the ballot), John S. Hatch (third on the ballot), Joseph “Dennis” Gould (fourth on the ballot), challenger Stephanie Lauren Mastrocola (fifth on the ballot) and Committee Member Ryan P. Fisher (fifth on the ballot). Gerow is completing Whittredge’s ty and the sanctuaries for local wildlife. Addressing environmental challenges isn’t about adopting complex terminologies or understanding intricate science. It’s about recognizing the simple truths: clean parks mean healthier children, reduced pollution equals cleaner air, and conservation ensures our natural resources endure. With this vision, I propose: Collaborating with local businesses and residents to initiate community clean-ups, ensuring our streets and parks are litter-free. By this, we are encouraging the use of sustainable resources and promoting recycling within our unexpired term. Committee Members Hatch, Gould and Fisher are completing their second consecutive two-year term. Serino is seeking reelection to his second consecutive term. Mastrocola is a firsttime candidate. The Saugus Advocate is cosponsoring the forum, which will be filmed in the Saugus TV studio at 30 Main St. Cable customers who miss the forum will be able to view it on Vimeo Saugus TV. There will be time limits on several questions asked of the candidates and there will be no interaction with the audience. Saugus Advocate Editor Mark E. Vogler will moderate the forum. community. We would partner with schools to instill an early appreciation for the environment, laying the foundation for a more eco-conscious future. I firmly believe that small, collective actions lead to significant change. Together, we can make Saugus a beacon of environmental responsibility, where our commitment to nature is as unwavering as our town’s pride. Let us unite to ensure that Saugus remains the town we love, not just in our hearts but also in its landscapes and horizons. With hope for a greener tomorrow. American Legion Post 69 to Host Monthly Karaoke Night American Legion Post 69 will host its monthly karaoke night on Friday, October 27 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Karaoke is a fun and entertaining way to spend an evening with friends and family. It’s also a great way to meet new people and make new friends. At American Legion Post 69, karaoke is held in a casual and relaxed atmosphere, so everyone can feel comfortable participating. No matter what your singing ability is, you’re sure to have a good time at karaoke night at American Legion Post 69. There’s a wide selection of songs to choose from, so you’re sure to find something you enjoy singing. If you are unable to be with us, there will be another karaoke night on November 10. American Legion Post 69 is located at 75 Meridian Street, Malden. For more information about the karaoke night events, please call (617) 324-9570. All are welcome to attend this fun and entertaining event!
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