Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 27, 2023 Panetta announces candidacy for Charter Commission ~ Political Announcement ~ D ebra Panetta of 1 Bellevue Street announces her candidacy for the Charter Commission. Debra is a graduate from Suffolk University earning a BSBA in Accounting, and she also holds a MBA from Northeastern University. She earned her Lean Six Sigma and her PMP (Project Management Professional) Certifications. She has over 35 years of accounting, finance, and strategic planning experience. Debra has served as a Saugus Selectman for the past twelve years, currently as Vice-Chairman; and past Chairman. She also served on the past elected Charter Commission as Vice-Chairman, Chairman of the Saugus School Committee, and a Town Meeting member. Debra states, “After working on Boards and Commissions in Town for over 30 years, I believe that I am well qualified to be on this Commission. I have a strong understanding of our current charter which is imperative prior to suggesting updates.” Debra feels that staggered elections would improve the continuity of the Selectmen and School Committee, where today, all five members are voted in office every 2 years. We could have a brand-new Board of Selectmen or School Committee with no expertise or knowledge of the office. This can lead to bad decisions, re-work, and potential lawsuits. There is some language in our current charter that needs to be changed. For example, Article 2, Section 16 mentions the Appointment of the Board of Public Welfare. We no longer have this Board. Debra believes that changes like these can be made within Town Meeting, where a Committee should be established to review our Charter every 3-5 years. Although a Charter Commission isn’t necessary at this time since our Town is fiscally sound, Debra would like “a seat at the table” when discussing any proposed changes to our government. “The Saugus residents are my top priority. Regardless of whether the Charter passes or not, I want to keep Saugus, “the Town of Saugus,” states Panetta. “Just like I did in 2007-2009, I will listen to the Public and my fellow Board members to determine what Charter changes are needed. Please be reminded that even if you vote ‘No,’ please vote for 9 Committee members in case the question passes. Please consider me for one of your votes on November 7th.” Thank you. Contact information: (781233-9720), debracpanetta@ gmail.com Selectman Debra Panetta (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) Peter Manoogian cites reasons he’s running for Charter Commission I t was in the December 30th, 2022 “Advocate Asks” colGerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 umn that Selectman Chair Anthony Cogliano stated his top priority for 2023 was to “… lead the charge to change our charter in 2023 and finally become a city.” He further stated at that time he would be interested in running for Mayor. Upon receiving negative feedback on this idea, he has walked back his call for a “city” with a “mayor” and put forth the unusual and nowhere found example of having an “elected” town manager. As Shakespeare wrote, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” meaning things are what they are no matter what you call them. As the months progressed, Anthony recruited individuals, some of whom are aggrieved office or job seekers, zoning change seekers, or who have a general dislike for Scott Crabtree to run alongside him to form a nine-member commission. Cogliano has been vocal about his frustration with Crabtree not acting quickly enough to recommend marijuana locations and to approve a WIN host community agreement that would extend and double the height of the unlined lead laced ash landfill on Route 107 from 50’ to 100’. To Crabtree’s credit, he has not agreed to this deal because current state regulations do not allow the landfill to exceed 50 feet. Mr. Cogliano also created a ballot question committee to promote a yes vote using the address of a home he owns and thus far spent hundreds of dollars on newspaper ads and political signs. His group promoting these changes uses slogans and generalities claiming they are all for “transparency” and “accountability” but thus far are unwilling, when asked, to indicate where their contributions are coming from. Why? Concurrent to this effort, WIN Waste is currently doing extensive polling in Saugus designed to gauge the popularity of Scott Crabtree, Anthony Cogliano, and Debra Panetta. Cogliano has stated that he is “looking forward to seeing the results.” With over 14 million dollars in reserves, Saugus is in the best financial condition it has ever been. An elected Mayor/ Manager would be beholden to those that contributed to his/her campaign, such as special interests, corporations, or the myriad of developers seeking to build more apartments along Route 1 and in Cliftondale. With voter engagement at an all-time low in Saugus coupled with the loss of print media and the rise of social media, it is not difficult for a well-financed group or corporation to shape public opinion on a particular issue or cause. If the voters decide they want a Charter Commission and elect me as one of the nine members I will commit to a process that is inclusive and thorough. I pledge to be probative and to respectfully challenge dogmatic assumptions and claims. I also realize that at the end of the process, minority views must be included in the final written report to the citizens of Saugus.
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