THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 30, 2026 Page 3 WONG | FROM PAGE 2 to the breakdown lane, causing them to burst from the vibration of the vehicles. Wong worked with then-Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo, a Democrat, to secure funding from the state that allowed for construction to move the pipes from the passing lane to the breakdown lane. His record has spanned other issues, however. Recently, Wong supported bill H.5631 that would mandate access to cancer screenings for fi refi ghters in Massachusetts, with no out-of-pocket cost. The bill has passed in the House, and Wong, who said he is always looking to support those who are willing to give their life to protect others, hopes it will pass in the Senate within the week. Wong also said he would make sure the WIN Waste Innovations plant and its ash landfi ll abides by federal laws regulating carbon dioxide emissions and continues to pass Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection inspections when considering its future plans. Saugus residents have concerns about the potential relocation of the landfi ll, because it is running out of room. Wong said he is looking at both sides of the issue and wants to give Saugus residents a chance to vote on the future of the landfi ll. Some residents want to see the landfi ll closed, while others want it to remain open to avoid trucking the waste off site. But in 2023, Gov. Maura Healey said that the landfill cannot be expanded because it is located in Rumney Marsh, an area of critical environmental concern. Wong said he will support the landfill as a business as long as they remain in compliance with environmental regulations. Wong said that if the landfi ll is relocated, Saugus residents may feel the impact fi nancially. Residents would have to pay for the waste to be relocated, and may have to pay for a trash fee, which WIN currently covers, Wong said. “WIN, it is a business,” Wong said. “It is a high taxpayer for the town of Saugus.” That business mind also means that bringing international businesses into Saugus is a priority, Wong said. “What I would like Massachusetts to do is be a little more aggressive on bringing businesses in,” Wong said. He plans to off er lower tax rates to companies and manufacturers. The towns could make up the diff erence, Wong said, through the jobs that new businesses bring. More job opportunities matter to constituents who call his offi ce about unemployment. Wong said he has received a high volume of unemployment claims this term, but said he is working with the State House as a liaison to speed up the process of fi ling for unemployment. Wong also wants to build on his work on Route 1, and particularly the “jughandle” in Peabody that lets cars heading north turn around and head south or go to Route 128. He wants the traffi c light on the Northbound side shut down, or at least to be closed during rush hour. It was the site of a fatal crash in May of 2026, and Saugus community members complain about the backups and delays it causes. Wong said if Saugus has enough money, he would like to see a drive-over go up over the “jughandle” while it is being worked on. Closer to home, Wong wants to lower the cost of living for Saugus residents. Specifically, he plans on making it easier for residents to have Family Accessory Dwelling Units. Also known as in-law apartments, these attached units or additions to a home allow, among other things, for living with extended family on the same lot. According to Saugus’s zoning bylaws, family ADU applicants have to prove their relationship to the homeowner and get a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals. But Massachusetts law now allows qualifying ADUs without family ties, owner occupancy or a special permit. He said his own experience shaped the idea to amend the bylaws. Before his parents died, he and his siblings took turns staying with them as they aged. “If we had in-law apartments, they could be living with us, and it would drop the cost of taking care of them,” Wong said. “You wouldn’t have to send them to elderly facilities.” This decision would be up to town offi cials, but Wong said he would start by speaking to the town manager about the idea. Wong said he would also consider creating a bill to give tax incentives to residents with ADUs. Wong said he also wants to maintain constant communication with local veteran groups like the American Legion and the VFW, recalling a bill he passed to help a Gold Star family. He acknowledges that Massachusetts has better resources for veterans than most states, but said there’s never enough support for veterans. It’s a hefty list of priorities, but Wong said his work ethic comes from his family business, Kowloon Restaurant, which has been in Saugus for three generations. Wong began his career at Kowloon as a busboy and worked his way up into the kitchen. He started his political career in 2005 when he served as a Saugus Town Meeting member. “Working in a restaurant is customer service,” Wong said. “That’s the same thing in government. We have to remember that we’re working for the people.” This story is part of a partnership between the Saugus Advocate and the Boston University Department of Journalism’s Newsroom program. Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net NEW BRANCH. EXCLUSIVE RATE. MORE FOR YOU. Earn 4.75% APY* with our exclusive 7-month CD! Available only at our new Medford branch. Visit us at 501 High Street to take advantage of this special offer. New money only. We make it easy. Because here, easy means more. This is a new-money-only offer.
4 Publizr Home