Dedicated, Experienced & Professional Leadership 7 Please Vote Tuesday, November 4, 2025 Polls open: 7AM – 8 PM Working for You! SAUGUS Vol. 27, No.44 -FREEYour Local News, Sports & Information Online! Scan & Subscribe Here! g DOCTE OCAT CAT www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday ATET 781-233-4446 Friday, October 31, 2025 TRICK-OR-TREAT AND VOTING DON’T GET SPOOKED BY ALL THESE CANDIDATES: 10 sample ballots – one for each of the town precincts – line the wall outside the Town Clerk’s Offi ce at Town Hall, just above a citizen information table that also welcomed Halloween today. Last night, Town Hall was scheduled to host its second annual Trick-or-Treat event, with town employees dressed in Halloween costumes handing out candy. Now Saugus is gearing up for next Tuesday’s (Nov. 4) Town Election. Please inside for pre-election and Halloween coverage. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Town Election 2025 Next Tuesday (Nov. 4) is decision day in Saugus as the town holds its biennial election; each voter will get a chance to choose up to 16 candidates – 11 of them in townwide races By Mark E. Vogler T he town’s 22,729 registered voters will get a chance to decide the makeup of Saugus elective government for the next two years four days from now. FifTOWN ELECTION 2025 | SEE PAGE 6 Mid-grade Regular 2.73 3.35 3.47 $3.47 Full Service ULS $2.99 Order online at angelosoil.com Over 47 Years of Excellence! 1978 - 2025 Kerosene Now Available! Saugus Firefighters Local 1003 & Saugus Police Patrol Officers Local 432 both voted to endorse Anthony Cogliano for Selectman! Paid for and authorized by the Cogliano Committee FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES!
Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 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 Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma Where to Vote in Saugus on Election Day E very two years, Saugus voters elect their local government: five members to the Board of Selectmen, five members to the School Committee and 50 members to Town Meeting, with all those elected serving two-year terms. This year there is also a vacant seat for a four-year term on the Saugus Housing Authority. Voters in the town’s 10 precincts will go to six different polling locations next Tuesday (Nov. 4) from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to cast their ballots in person. If you are a registered voter and don’t know where you can vote, please call the Town Clerk’s Offi ce between today (Friday, Oct. 29) and next Tuesday at 781231-4101 or 781-231-4102 or drop by Town Hall if you are near Saugus Center and request to see the Street List, which lists all town residents broken down by precincts and according to the streets where they live. Here are the current polling locations. Precinct/Polling Locations 1: Saugus Middle/High School Complex, 1 Pearce Memorial Dr. 2: Veterans Early Learning Center, 39 Hurd Ave. 3: Saugus Senior Center, 466 Central St. 4: Belmonte STEAM Academy, 25 Dow St. 5: Saugus Senior Center, 466 Central St. 6: Veterans Early Learning Center, 39 Hurd Ave. 7: Knights of Columbus, 57 Appleton St. 8: Belmonte STEAM Academy, 25 Dow St. 9: Saugus Middle/High School Complex, 1 Pearce Memorial Dr. 10: Italian American Club,1 Beachview Ave. Rep. Wong supports bill to protect state transit workers from assaults; House proposal also creates crime of assault & battery with a bodily substance O n October 22, 2025, State Representative Donald Wong (R-Saugus) supported legislation that would add transit workers to an existing law providing penalties for assaulting a public employee while they are engaged in the performance of their duties. House Bill 4645, An Act relative to assault and battery upon a transit worker, was passed (1600) by the House of Representatives on October 22. The bill still requires Senate approval and Governor Maura Healey’s signature before it becomes law. On October 23, the Senate referred the bill to its committee on Ways & Means. Representative Wong said the House proposal will provide protections for transit workers under an existing statute governing assault and battery committed against a public employWONG | SEE PAGE 19 Daylight Savings Time Ends Saturday Night! Turn Your Clock Back 1 Hour!
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 Page 3 #2 on the Ballot As a candidate for reelection, I offer the following as I ask for your vote on TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4th Background & Education: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------• Saugus High School – Class of 1990 – High Honors • Salem State University BSBA majors: Accounting and Economics Graduated 1994 – Magna Cum Laude • Partner/Shareholder at AAFCPA’s -7th largest CPA firm in New England and top 100 firm in USA with 400 employees • Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant • Salem State University Foundation Treasurer and Chairman of the Audit and Finance Committee since 2009 • Saugus Selectman since 2015 (Vice Chairman 2019-2021 & 2023-Present) • 4th generation Saugonian – homeowner and taxpayer for primary residence as well as rental properties in Saugus • Wife Julie (Mazzola) of 28 years and lifelong resident of Saugus • Two Children: Gianna (25, honors graduate of Saugus High School 2019 and graduate of UMass Amherst 2023 Magna Cum Laude) and Anthony (21, graduated 3rd in his class of Saugus High School 2022, Senior at Bentley University) Highlight of Accomplishments: ----------------------------------------------------------------------• New Middle/High School with $65mm reimbursed by the state • Bond rating at AA+, highest in our town's history • A record amount of funds in our stabilization - $20+ million • Over $1mm in Green Communities grant funding to support the town’s pursuit of becoming less reliant on natural resources • Added police, fire and DPW personnel in addition to new cruisers, fire apparatus and DPW equipment • Infrastructure improvements including roads, sidewalks and bridges • Comprehensive speed analysis that resulted in lowering speeds in certain areas of town • Saugus Rail Trail • New recreational areas that include playgrounds, tennis, pickleball, street hockey and basketball courts • Confidently supported the Town Manager’s contract extension unanimously and negotiated mutually agreeable terms My vision for Saugus includes: ---------------------------------------------------------------------• Integrity, ethics and collaboration amongst the Board and listens to the concerns of residents • Continue proper planning and oversight to ensure stabilization of finances while focusing on town wide investments • Slow the pace of new apartments on Route-1 by promoting mixed use developments • Continue to work with State Delegation to alleviate traffic congestion • Promote development of commercial and lab space with tax incentives • Work with our police department to promote e-Bike safety regulations • Focus on smart development and future uses for closed school buildings with community input being paramount • Respectfully listen to the concerns and needs of residents • A third fire station on the west side of Saugus; feasibility study is complete “I am pro-business and make every decision based on what is best for the Town of Saugus as a whole. I analyze each application thoroughly, I ask the tough questions of the applicants and vote for what is best for the residents of Saugus.” Experience: ------------------------------------------------------------------I apply 30+ years of diverse business experience to make sure Saugus’ financial systems are operating properly in order to protect the assets of our taxpayers. I take a deep dive into the annual budget and make sure to ask the necessary questions to verify the tax dollars are being spent appropriately based on the overall needs of our town. My leadership skills have proven that I am not afraid to speak up on behalf of the town and our residents. I accomplish things in town collaboratively and respectfully, as that is what the people of Saugus expect and deserve. I pride myself on being able to work with everyone regardless of their stance on any one particular matter. I offer leadership, experience and integrity to the residents of our town. I am reachable and always willing to listen to your concerns and attempt to find solutions to issues when they are brought to my attention. Let’s Continue Our Town’s Progress
Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 Town Election 2025 Three Candidates, One Seat: Saugus Housing Authority Choice Heads to Voters By Nivia Wilson S augus voters will go to the polls Tuesday to choose a new Housing Authority member to fi ll a seat on a fi ve-person board that oversees public housing for seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and low-income families. The race took shape more than a month ago when longtime Housing Authority member William “Bill” Stewart – a fi xture in town government for more than 50 years – pulled nomination papers but ultimately did not fi le them. His surprise move left three candidates vying for the position: John George Chipouras, a veteran town meeting member from precinct 7; Kristi A. Talagan, a If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available town meeting member from precinct 8; and Darleen Marie L’Heureux, a six-year resident of Laurel Towers. Chipouras, a former Blue Cross Blue Shield systems manager, says his penchant for transparency and history of following through on issues qualifi es him for a seat on the Housing Authority. “I’m not afraid to talk to people,” he said, “and I’m not afraid for them to come to me and ask me things.” Chipouras said he’d like to demystify the waitlist system for potential tenants. “If I do something, I’m going to go all in,” he said, describing himself as personable but persistent. “People come to me and automatically feel like I’m easy to talk to, and I’m going to dig in.” Chipouras said resident concerns should be handled fairly and without favoritism. He seeks a sixth two-year term to his Precinct 7 Town Meeting seat. He served previously as a member of the Saugus Playground Commission and the Saugus Retirement Board. Talagan described herself as someone who understands the inner workings of government agencies, including proper organizational oversight and the establishment of a mediation process to resolve disputes. “As an administrator, I worked with policies and procedures that are similar to the Housing Authority’s rules and regulations,” she said. “I’ve done compliance curricula for the state of Massachusetts.” She noted that her 25 years in Chelsea included work with homeless and disabled populations. She is also certifi ed to teach special education classes. Talagan favors tracking maintenance response times, reinforcing safety measures, and providing clearer tenant updates. “There is defi nitely a need for increased, consistent communication with tenants,” Talagan said. She has also expressed ONE SEAT | SEE PAGE 9 John Chipouras: a veteran Town Meeting Member from Precinct 7 who has been active in local government on volunteer boards for many years. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) Darleen Marie L’Heureux: a Housing Authority tenant who said she was encouraged to run by William Stewart, a longtime authority member who decided to not run again at age 90. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) Kristi Talagan: a Town Meeting member from Precinct 8 who finished runner-up to William Stewart four years ago. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate)
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 Page 5 Town Election 2025 School Committee candidates share their views on how to improve the operation of town government and the governance of Saugus Public Schools (Editor’s Note: Today is the last in a series of question-and-answer articles leading into the Nov. 4 Town Election. We asked each of the School Committee candidates the following: Question Three: Please answer a simple “yes” or “no” to these following questions: 1. Do you think there should be a standing Charter Review Committee, to meet periodically as an advisory board to review and make recommendations on ways to improve town government? 2. Do you think the town would be better served by having staggered terms for the Board of Selectmen and School Committee, with three seats for both elected bodies to be put on the ballot one year and two the following year? 3. Do you think there should be a standing public safety committee consisting of representatives from the Police Department, the Fire Department, Town Meeting, the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee to consider traffic and public safety issues raised by residents, with the purpose being advisory to offer recommendations on ways to improve public safety in the neighborhoods, roads under jurisdiction of the town and public safety hazards or concerns as they arise? In 300 words or less, if you could make one change to improve the operation of town government and the governance of Saugus Public Schools, what would that be? Here are the responses from the candidates who will be on the ballot seeking a two-year term in one of the five seats. We have listed the candidates alphabetically. Roberto Bruzzese, a career educator and former Saugus teacher: I do believe the response to each one of these questions would be a yes and here is my reasons why: As a member of a community and being elected as a public servant, there should be some accountability. In my chosen profession as an educator there is a tremendous amount of accountability. I am responsible for the education Gerry 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 of children. If one does not notice what I am doing and see what I am teaching, then as a person and educator I may get too comfortable and not do what is right for each of my students and therefore fail in what I need to teach. The same goes SCHOOL COMMITTEE | SEE PAGE 8
Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 The Perfect Attendance List: Saugus Town Meeting T wenty-seven of the 50 Town Meeting members had perfect attendance during their two-year term. Precincts 1, 5 and 6 each had four members who didn’t miss a meeting. These are the members who had perfect attendance during the 2023-25 term of the Saugus Town Meeting. TOWN ELECTION 2025 | FROM PAGE 1 ty Town Meeting seats – five in each of the town’s 10 precincts – will be decided when voters go to the polls (please see related story for polling locations) in the town’s biennial election. The townwide races feature: • Four incumbents are running for reelection to serve another two years on the Board of Selectmen while five challengers are competing for one of the five seats. The current board has served together for six years. But competition developed when Corinne Riley announced earlier this Precinct 1: Assunta A. Palomba, Stacey Marie Herman-Dorant, John J. O’Brien and Susan C. Dunn. Precinct 2: Jeanette Elizabeth Meredith, Robert James Camuso Sr. and Matthew David Parlante. Precinct 3: Daniel Ivan Schena and Leonard Joseph year that she would not seek a fourth two-year term. (Please see the last story in a series of candidate questions and answers. This week, the nine candidates shared their views on how to improve the operation of town government.) • A major turnover in the School Committee race, which will result in at least three new members being elected to the committee – as three members decided not to seek another term. Veteran committee members John Hatch and Ryan Fisher stepped down, while School Committee Chair Vincent Serino decided to run for selectman instead of anFerrari Jr. Precinct 4: Glen R. Davis, Robert J. Long and Stephen Doherty. Precinct 5: Ronald Mark Wallace, Brenton H. Spencer, Jaclyn Annette Hickman and Mark Stephen Panetta. Precinct 6: Jean M. Bartolo, Allen Victor Panico, Kevin D. other term on the School Committee. (Please see the last story in a series of candidate questions and answers. Seven of the eight candidates shared their views on how to improve the operation of town government.) • For years, William Stewart had been a popular choice among voters to get reelected to the Saugus Housing Authority. Having served more than half a century in Saugus Town Meeting and other volunteer government boards, he had the name recognition edge for reelection for another four-year term on the Saugus Housing Authority. But after pulling out nomination papers this sumCurrie and Karen Rakinic. Precinct 7: Frank V. Federico. Precinct 8: Arthur Grabowski and Darren R. McCullough. Precinct 9: Judith A. Worthley, Daniel Kelly and Katrina L. Berube. Precinct 10: Peter Z. Manoogian Sr. Former Precinct 8 Town Meeting Member Thomas Edward Traverse had a perfect attendance record until he moved to Precinct 1 in the spring. After achieving a perfect attendance last year, Precinct Town Meeting Member Mark Sacco Jr. missed every meeting this year. THE KEY RACES: Here is the placement of candidates on the sample ballot for the Board of Selectmen and School Committee contests. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) mer, the 90-year-old incumbent decided not to seek another term against three challengers. (Please see an in-depth story of that race by Nivia Wilson, a student journalist in the Boston University Newsroom program who interviewed the three candidates.) • Town Meeting members who tackle neighborhood issues and are accessible to people in their precincts usually get reelected. In recent years, attendance has become an issue. A Saugus Advocate review of minutes maintained by the Town Clerk reveals those candidates with perfect attendance and those precincts with the best attendance over the past two years. In two precincts – two and eight – attendance records won’t matter, as there is a lack of competition for the five candidates running for reelection on the ballot. They will be reelected without competition. Early voting not that popular Only 206 people – less than one percent of the town’s 22,729 registered voters – took advantage of early voting last Saturday. That’s a slight increase over the 187 two years ago, according to statistics provided by Saugus Town Clerk Ellen Schena’s Office. Meanwhile, 143 registered voters have voted absentee as of Monday (Oct. 27). There were 162 ballots cast two years ago, according to the Town Clerk’s Office. The most recent statistics (as of Oct. 27) compiled by the Town Clerk’s Office show that 15,487, or 68 percent, of the total registered voters are unenrolled. The number of registered Democrats is 4,772, or 21 percent. There are 2,223 registered Republicans, or just under 10 percent. The 59 Libertarians account for .26 percent. Local town elections are nonpartisan.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 Page 7 Town Election 2025 Town Meeting contests at a glance T here are 66 candidates running for the 50 positions in the Saugus Town Meeting. Voters in each of the 10 precincts will elect five members to represent them in the Saugus legislative branch of government for the next two years. Precincts 1 and 8 are the most competitive, with eight candidates running in both precincts. All of the candidates in Precincts 2 and 8 will be elected because of a shortage of candidates. Here’s the order of placement for the candidates running for the 50 Town Meeting seats up for grabs in the 10 precincts: Precinct 1: *Assunta A. Palomba, *Stacey Marie Herman-Dorant, *John J. O’Brien, Thomas Edward Traverse, Ashley L. Nichols, Jillian R. Lauziere, *Mark John Bell and *Susan C. Dunn. Precinct 2: Joseph Stephen Malone, *Peter A. Rossetti Jr., *Jeanette Elizabeth Meredith, *Robert James Camuso Sr. and *Matthew David Parlante. Precinct 3: *Arthur David Connors Jr., *Daniel Ivan Schena, *Richard Edward Thompson, Amanda Kay Ostrow Mason, *Mark Sacco Jr., *Leonard Joseph Ferrari Jr. and Marissa Lee Demonte. Precinct 4: *Glen R. Davis, *Maureen Whitcomb, *Robert J. Long, Robert Charles Northrup, *Stephen Doherty, Joseph Nicolas DiFilippo and *Stephanie Marie Shalkoski. Precinct 5: Joshua L. Dellheim, *Pamela J. Goodwin, *Ronald Mark Wallace, *Brenton H. Spencer, *Jaclyn Annette Hickman, *Mark Stephen Panetta, Lori Ann Fauci and Karli McConaghy Brazis. Precinct 6: Carla Jan Moschella, *Jean M. Bartolo, *Allen Victor Panico, Alicia Rita Bonito, *Kevin D. Currie, Elizabeth A. Marchese and *Karen Rakinic. Precinct 7: Phillip T. Gil, *Michael John Paolini, *Frank V. Federico, *John George Chipouras, Aja Marie Arsenault, Sandro Pansini Souza and *Stephen Francis McCarthy. Precinct 8: *Anthony Joseph Lopresti, *Arthur Grabowski, *Darren R. McCullough, Kristi A. Talagan and *William Edward Cross III. Precinct 9: *Judith A. Worthley, *John Steven Cottam, *Daniel Kelly, Jaime Leigh Lincoln, Nicole Ashley Parziale and *Katrina L. Berube. Precinct 10: *Carla Ann Scuzzarella, *Martin J. Costello, James A. Tozza, *Darren Steven Ring, *Peter Delios Jr., Jenna Rose Nuzzo and *Peter Z. Manoogian Sr. Editor’s Note: An asterisk (*) indicates an incumbent Town Meeting member. I b Herman-Dorant for Selectman Stacey I believe in protecting what makes Saugus great, our strong sense of community and smalltown character. Putting Experience to work for Saugus Paid for by the Committee to Elect Stacey Herman-Dorant Great Classifi ed Ad Rates! Call 781-233-4446 Today! SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welcome the loyal customers of ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU: Our Staff are, Emma Davidson, Jeimy Sanchez, Josephine Leone, Marie D’Amore, Rocco Longo, Z’andre Lopez, Anthony DiPierro, Darius Goudreau, Laurette Murphy, Danielle Goudreau and Tina Davidson. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
Page 8 SCHOOL COMMITTEE | FROM PAGE 5 for public servants. If elected as a member to the board of schools, I would expect to answer to someone or to a group that will or would oversee this part of the town. Like anything else in society, we should have a body of individuals overseeing what should be done in our cities and towns. This will only make our government stronger and more powerful. If we want our schools to improve, these ideas need to be implemented and enforced so our children would have a better chance to succeed. If one does not have someone oversee what needs to be done or does not help with the decision making of our towns and cities then failure may be seen by our members. This is why I vote “Yes” to the above questions and how I see that our town would be most suc8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 cessful. Brian Doherty, a member of the town Finance Committee: He answered “Yes” to all three questions. If I could change one thing to improve collaboration between our town government and Saugus Public Schools, I would prioritize strengthening communication among the town manager, Finance Committee, Town Meeting, and the School Committee. Currently, the School Committee submits its budget to the fi nance committee for review and recommendation. Afterward, Town Meeting votes to approve or reject the total budget amount, but the School Committee has the authority to adjust funds within that total as needed. If elected, I would ensure our committee keeps both the fi nance committee and town meeting fully informed about any budget adjustments and the reasons behind those changes. By maintaining open and transparent communication, we can keep everyone involved, foster trust, and support future funding requests more eff ectively. Andrew Finn, a parent of a child in the Saugus Public Schools: He did not respond to the question by the deadline. Joseph “Dennis” Gould, a former Saugus School Committee member: As far as making the School www.810bargrille.com Cedar impression half rounds Harvey Vinyl Replacement Windows Custom Aluminum Trim work Windows & Doors Top quality Vinyl Siding! •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Roofing •Free Estimates •Replacement Windows •Fully Licensed •Fully Insured Everett Aluminum Supplies pp Celebrating 66 Years in Business Since 1958! Committee itself operation a little better for continuity and experience, I believe four year staggered terms (2 one year, 3 two years later) would benefi t new School Committee members who really drink from a fi re house the fi rst year on Committee and become more eff ective their second year but right now they already have to run again. I don’t believe major changes needed in our form of government, but our daily operation is really driven by the revenue we take in and all the areas of both Town and School that lack total funding needed for following to happen as examples: · Safety – Third Firehouse and its staffing, SRO for Middle/ High School, Beat/Street Offi cers, Traffi c/Parking Offi cers. Funding to add two buses for students all grades · Town – More Public Work Employees, Maintain proper levels of Police and Fire that refl ects growing living buildings and population · School – Need more grade 2-5 teachers to lower classroom sizes back to more manageable and effective for all students, Proper funding to have librarian at both Belmonte and MSHS, Funding for buses to avoid students missing school days Summary: I believe it is time to have a committee made up of Town Manager, Town Finance Offi cer, School Superintendent and/or School District Business Director, two representatives from School Committee, Selectmen, Town Meeting and Finance Committee to do deep dive into all Town is facing with added costs of New Vocational School, potential new 3rd Fire Station and staffi ng, impact of the loss of Department of Education and funding, change of demographics of new students entering Saugus School District and all other known and forecasted increases, to come up with a Town wide plan to address them all as a collaborative eff ort. This eff ort has to be about Saugus as one collaborative team, not School Vs Town, but rather “We/Us” I believe the residents would support a comprehensive plan that addressed all the needs of the Town if we work together. Arthur Grabowski, a former Saugus School Committee member: He answered “No” on the fi rst question, “Yes” on the second question and “No” on the third question. I would not make any changes in town government. We have a representative Town Meeting, consisting of five members from each precinct, (10 precincts, fi ve Town Meeting members elected from each, for a total of 50 town meeting members) This group is considered the legislative body of Saugus government. These people are available to vote on town articles that directly affect the residents of the town. The town manager is considered the chief executive of the town. In Saugus, we have what is known as a “strong SCHOOL COMMITTEE | SEE PAGE 18 Monogram D4 Double siding
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 Page 9 SHS Sachems Marching Band Celebrate Senior Receive a free 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase* - valued at $535. The Saugus High Band performed the National Anthem at the beginning of the game. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Band member Gabriel Mendenez-Rosa was accompanied by his band director, Chance Krause. ONE SEAT | FROM PAGE 4 concerns about the number of tenant members on the board, which could increase after the election. Talagan said a “fresh set of eyes” on the governing board could improve balance and transparency. L’Heureux says living in Authority housing gives her fi rsthand insight into residents’ daily challenges. She helped distribute food during the pandemic and later organized arts-and-crafts activities, walks, and movie nights to help her neighbors combat feelings of isolation. “I’m a people person,” she said. “If I tell you I’m going to do something, I’ll do it.” She said the city needs to increase funding for repairs and upgrades, such as new roofs, elevators and walk-in showers. “The people who live here have serious needs,” L’Heureux said. “I want to help them in any way I can.” She described herself as a listener: “I’m not one to jump into arguments, I like to hear everyone’s side.” The Housing Authority board sets policy, votes on S augus High School Sachems Co-Ed Marching Band honored this year’s senior last Friday during their Senior Night home game. budgets and projects, enforces eligibility rules, and oversees services across its developments. One seat is reserved for a tenant under state law. The Authority hired Joseph A. Hart as executive director in August. Four years ago, Stewart won reelection with 1,430 votes. Talagan fi nished second with 1,046, ahead of current chair John Cannon at 672. Talagan is running this year while also seeking election to her fi rst two-year term on Town Meeting in Precinct 8. Talagan, who narrowly missed getting elected to a Precinct 8 Town Meeting seat in the 2023 election (she lost by four votes to fifth-place finisher Arthur Grabowski), served the last six months of Veteran Town Meeting member Tom Traverse’s term after he moved to a new home in Precinct 1 this past spring. L’Heureux has said in her announcement that Stewart encouraged her to run, though he has not publicly endorsed a candidate. The winner will serve a four-year term. Nivia Wilson is a student journalist in the Boston University Newsroom program. Call 866-852-0221 to schedule your free quote! Be prepared before the next power outage. A Complete Continuum of Care Because Your Family Deserves Support at Every Stage. Assisted Living | Assisted Living Memory Care | Short-Term Rehabilitation | Long-Term Care | Long-Term Memory Care | ALS, MS & Ventilator Care | Adult Day Health | VNA | Hospice | And More... Locations in Peabody & Chelsea To Learn More or Schedule a C t t Jill H or jhemeon@legacylifecare.org n Co tact Jil l H emeo egacylifecare.org n a emeo org a Tour, n ea 0 Co tact Jil r jhemeo Learn More or Schedule a Tour, t 857 t 857-3 7 885 t 857-3 7-885 - 3337-8850 y & Chel ea LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER FACEBOOK.COM/ADVOCATE.NEWS.MA
Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 Town Election 2025 Nine candidates for the board of Selectmen share their views on how to improve the operation of town government (Editor’s Note: Today is the last story in a series of questions and answers leading into the Nov. 4 Town Election. We asked each of the Board of Selectmen candidates the following: Question Three: Please answer a simple “yes” or “no” to these following questions: 1. Do you think there should be a standing Charter Review Committee, to meet periodically as an advisory board to review and make recommendations on ways to improve town government? 2. Do you think the town would be better served by having staggered terms for the Board of Selectmen and School Committee, with three seats for both elected bodies to be put on the ballot one year and two the following year? 3. Do you think there should be a standing public safety committee consisting of representatives from the Police Department, the Fire Department, Town Meeting, the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee to consider traffic and public safety issues raised by residents, with the purpose being advisory to offer recommendations on ways to improve public safety in the neighborhoods, roads under jurisdiction of the town and public safety hazards or concerns as they arise? In 300 words or less, if you could make one change to improve the operation of town government and the governance of Saugus Public Schools, what would that be? Here are the responses from the candidates who will be on the ballot seeking a two-year term in one of the five seats. We have listed the candidates alphabetically. Jeffrey Cicolini, incumbent Saugus selectman: You asked for a yes or no so I answered yes to all three questions. However, I do believe the public safety committee should report its findings to the BOS as a full board as opposed to having one member of the BOS on the committee as the BOS are the traffic commissioners and should be involved in final decisions as a full board. One way I would improve town government would be to have staggered elections for both Board of Selectmen and School Committee. The concept of an entire board turning over after an election could have a detrimental effect on the town’s operational stability as well as the school’s overall performance. Staggered elections would provide our town with some continuity year over year so policies and projects that are in place at the time of an election can continue without pause after the election. It takes time for an individual to get acclimated to the roles and responsibilities that come with the position and the town and schools cannot afford to wait for new members to get caught up, as they say, the show must go on. I also feel that routine meetings with our state delegation must continue in order to continue to press to find solutions to our traffic issues that are omnipresent in the north shore. We need to also try to join forces with neighboring communities in order to reach a broader group of state officials. Traffic is out of control and getting worse. We all can press harder and explore new avenues to expand our reach to find solutions throughout the region, not just in Saugus. Anthony Cogliano, incumbent Saugus selectman: He answered “Yes” on all three questions. 1. Charter Review Committee Many communities have a charter review committee to strengthen local government, and Saugus should too. In the past, opinions on this issue have changed, but now is the time to set personalities aside and focus on what’s best for our town. I fully support creating a charter review committee. Every candidate wants a better Saugus, and the only way to get there is through open conversation and teamwork. Let’s move forward together. 2. Staggered Terms I strongly support staggered terms for the Select Board and School Committee. This system provides continuity, encourages long-term planning, and ensures experienced members are always at the table. It also prevents sudden shifts in policy and blends fresh ideas with valuable experience. Most importantly, staggered elections help balance accountability and stability so our local government can serve residents more effectively. 3. Advisory Board Collaboration There’s always room to make Saugus stronger. Forming an advisory board with members from the Select Board, School Committee, Town Meeting, Finance Committee, Town Manager’s office, Superintendent, and Public Safety would create much-needed collaboration. We’ve talked about this before — it’s time to act. Meeting regularly to discuss growth, traffic, and school impacts will help us plan smarter for the future of Saugus. Jennifer D’Eon, a former Saugus selectman: She answered “Yes” on all three questions. There are unfortunately two camps in Saugus, the Town and the School District. Communication between the Town and the School District must be addressed to improve the operation of town government and the governance of Saugus Public Schools. Candid conversations about fiscal realities will be beneficial to both and more importantly our residents. The School District is a separate entity within the Town that acts with virtual autonomy from it by design. I have seen first hand how this works. Both sides are jockeying for a slice of the budgetary pie so they can satisfy raises for employees, repair infrastructure, and expand services. If there is communication failure, we can lose sight of the end goals of both, to provide quality services and education to our residents and their families. One is not less important than the other, they are complementary and equally vital for the function and future of Saugus. Town and School District leadership should be encouraged to communicate and collaborate with each other, to compromise on a balanced approach to delivering what are perceived to be on the surface divergent goals for the community. There should not be a win or lose mentality on either side. Both have common goals of delivering quality services and resources on one side and quality education and opportunity for the growth of our children on the other. Our residents need to be educated on the realities of municipal operations, governance and budgeting. The residents pay for a substantial portion of the services they receive through their taxes. Town meeting members, Board of Selectmen, School Committee, and Town Manager’s office have opportunities to voice their wants, desires, concerns, and complaints in public meetings. I am not saying there is one fix to solve many problems. We can all do better. Improvements can be made when each side is willing to take responsibility, listen and collaborate. I am willing to do that. Frank Federico, a Precinct 7 Town Meeting member: He answered “Yes” on all three questions. The change that I believe would make the biggest impact is a multi-pronged approach focused on collaboration, accountability, and transparency. First, within the limits of our town charter, the School Committee and the Board of Selectmen should be working together on shared concerns such as traffic around our schools. The School Committee is responsible for what happens inside the schools, while the Selectmen oversee what happens outside. Yet I have not seen members of either board attend one another’s meetings to address major issues like traffic and student safety. Improving that communication would directly benefit families and help develop practical solutions that keep our students safe. Second, because the school budget makes up such a large portion of the town’s overall spending, I believe a yearly audit should be conducted to ensure that funds are being used properly and efficiently. This would help guarantee that our students receive the best education possible with the resources available to us, while also promoting fiscal responsibility and transparency for taxpayers. Lastly, I believe in greater openness across all levels of town government. The more residents who are engaged and aware of how decisions are made, the stronger and more efficient our community becomes. When more people participate and have their voices heard, we gain a broader perspective on the challenges facing Saugus. From that, we can develop policies and plans that truly reflect the needs and priorities of the majority of our residents. By improving collaboration between boards, ensuring responsible spending, and fostering transparency, we can build a more accountable and effective local government that works for everyone in Saugus. Stacey Herman-Dorant, a Precinct 1 Town Meeting member: She answered “Yes” for questions 2 and 3. As a Selectman, you are charged with looking at things from all angles and viewpoints, always with improvement in mind. As someone who reviews hundreds of policies and procedures as a university administrator, I know that periodically policies need updating. Meaningful change happens only when we gather input from those most affected, our residents. In 2023, voters chose not to form a charter commission. That decision must be respected. However, if community interest grows and there is supBOARD OF SELECTMEN | SEE PAGE 11
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 Page 11 understanding the long-term implications. Charter Review Committee – When it comes to reviewing and shaping the structure of our local government, Saugus is fortunate to already have a powerful and representative body in place: our Town Meeting. I had the privilege of serving as Vice-Chair of the last elected Charter Commission, where we spent two years developing a comprehensive set of proposed updates to the Town Charter. Although the voters did not adopt the formal charter change, Town Meeting recognized the value of many of those recommendations and acted on them. Through a series of votes, they adopted several of the most meaningful and practical reforms from that effort. In 2023, the voters did not SAUGUS TOWN HALL: The house of town government, where nine candidates are running for five seats on the Board of Selectmen in the Nov. 4 Town Election. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) BOARD OF SELECTMEN | FROM PAGE 10 port to revisit the issue, I fully back placing the question back on the ballot because residents should always have the final say. It’s also worth noting that Town Meeting has the authority to make Charter changes and has done so in the past. Most towns/cities in Massachusetts have staggered elections with three-year terms. This would be beneficial and create continuity in both the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee. No one can argue that improved communication and working across departments and committees improves outcomes. As Selectmen, we can encourage and work with the Town Manager to make sure everyone is at the table to make public safety a priority. Rather than making blanket statements, I believe in listening to those “in the trenches”—the staff, teachers, public safety officials, and committee members who work every day to serve our town. I want to understand what systems of communication are already in place and how we can strengthen them. Exploring alternative meeting formats, like Zoom sessions over lunch hours for example, could allow for the right people to be present and give input and make scheduling easier. I’m ready to bring my leadership experience (visit my LinkedIn page: www.linkedin. com/in/staceyherman/) to the Board of Selectmen to help solve tough issues. I would appreciate your vote on November 4th. Debra Panetta, an incumbent Saugus selectman and the board’s chair: Staggered Elections – Implementing staggered elections could significantly enhance the operations of the Town. By staggering terms, Saugus would promote greater consistency and continuity in local government, particularly within the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee. Under the current system, both boards are subject to complete turnover every two years, placing institutional knowledge at risk. This loss of experience and historical context can lead to misinformed decisions, ultimately jeopardizing the effective governance and long-term stability of our Town. Without that continuity, even the most well-intentioned officials can make decisions without fully vote in favor of establishing a Charter Review Committee. This vote may be because Saugus already has a built-in mechanism for ongoing charter review and structural reform through Town Meeting. Public Safety Committee – The Board of Selectmen serve as traffic commissioners, where all decisions are guided by recommendations from the Police & Fire Departments. This collaborative structure is essential, but there’s room to strengthen our approach. Looking ahead, I believe the next elected Board should prioritize traffic concerns by working closely with the Town Manager, State Delegation, School Committee, and Public Safety Departments to develop a comprehensive strategy. Traffic safety affects everyone — from school zones to commuter routes — and deserves focused attention. Michael Serino, an incumbent Saugus selectman: Question # 1 YES. Many municipalities have a Charter Review Advisory board that meets periodically to review ways to improve town government. In 2009 under former Town Moderator Bob Long, a Town Meeting Charter Committee was formed to review the town charter. All members were appointed by the Town Moderator. The committee was comprised of (5) Town Meeting Members, (2) School Committee members and (2) members of the Board of Selectmen, in which I was appointed along with Donald Wong. I was the main author of five charter changes that Town Meeting passed in 2010. Question # 2 Town elections would be held every year, increasing election costs to the taxpayers. Yearly voter turn-out might decrease. Voters unhappy with elected officials would not be able to vote an entire board out of office in the next election cycle. The possibility that Selectmen or School Committee officials, not up for re-election, could rally around incumbents having to run for re-election, therefore, potentially making it difficult for a new person running for the first time to get elected. This question was put before Saugus voters in Nov 2013. It was voted down 53% to 47%. Question # 3 YES. Under Massachusetts General Laws and the Town of Saugus By-laws, the Selectmen are the traffic commissioners in the Town of Saugus. Currently, if a resident reports a public safety issue to the Selectman, the Selectmen will refer the issue to the police department for an opinion to rectify the issue. A public hearing will be held if required by law. I believe that this process works very well. As far as public safety issues town-wide, I would support a public safety advisory committee to offer recommendations to the Board of Selectmen. All of the above improves the operation of town government. Vincent Serino, the current School Committee chair: He answered “Yes” on all three questions. 1. The charter is a living, working document that guides how our town operates. It should be reviewed periodically to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our residents and reflects the best practices for effective local governance. 2. Staggered terms would provide better continuity, stability, and consistency in leadership. It ensures that institutional knowledge is preserved while still allowing for regular opportunities for new voices and perspectives. 3. We should always be looking for ways to improve public safety. A standing committee dedicated to identifying concerns and offering recommendations would help ensure that safety issues are addressed proactively and collaboratively across departments. I would start with implementing staggered elections. This approach would provide greater consistency on the boards and committees that oversee our town and schools. Local government issues evolve daily, and having experienced members remain in place after an election helps maintain continuity and ensures that ongoing initiatives don’t lose momentum. By staggering elections, I also believe we would encourage more community engagement. When residents see that their voices can make a difference in a steady and continuous process, participation increases. We need to work together—as a community and as a school system—to move Saugus forward in a positive, collaborative way. I also think our elected officials should hold regular office hours. This would give residents the opportunity to meet with their representatives, share concerns, and discuss ideas in person. Accessibility and open communication are key to building trust and accountability. Another area to focus on is how we administer and plan for state and federal funds. While much of our revenue comes from local taxes, Saugus has done a good job securing grants. However, grants are temporary. Before they expire, we should evaluate their effectiveness and determine how to sustain successful programs within our regular budget. Recurring revenues need to be budgeted thoughtfully so that we can maintain progress from year to year. Finally, we must continue to focus on smart growth. Let’s develop best practices for Route 1 and other major development areas. As we grow, we need to ensure our schools, public safety, and infrastructure can handle that growth. Thoughtful planning will help BOARD OF SELECTMEN | SEE PAGE 14
Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 SHS Sachems Football Team Celebrate Seniors S augus High School Sachems Boys’ Varsity Football Team honored their seniors at home last Friday during their Senior Night game. Seniors Huey Duoana, Koby Jette, Ryan Shea, Nathan Santos, Jordan Rodriguez, Christopher Mazin, Ethan Walters, Nicholas DaSilva, David Perez, Kam Conroy, and Joshua Sheehan. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Ethan Walters was accompanied by his mother, Jennifer, and his sister, Isabella. Joshua Sheehan was accompanied by his grandparents Donna and Andrew Restiano and his mother Alycia Restiano. Huey Duoana was accompanied by his teammates during last Friday’s Saugus High School Sachems Boys’ Varsity Football Team Senior Night. Captain Ryan Shea was accompanied by his father, Christopher, his mother Gayle and his brother, Daniel. Nicholas DaSilva was accompanied by his father Adilson, his mother Ericka and his sister Taylor. Captain Jordan Rodriguez was accompanied by his sister Naveah, his brothers Isaiah and Zion, his father José and his mother, Jessika. Captain Nathan Santos was accompanied by his mother Johanna, his sisters Gianna and Vivian, his grandmother, and his father Diego. Kam Conroy was accompanied by his mother Karen, sister Karina and his father. Captain Koby Jette was accompanied by his father, Keith, his mother, Sarah, his uncle Mark, his brother Alijah, and his sisters, Arianna and Sydney. David Perez was accompanied by his father David, sister Milly, mother Angela and brother Gio. Captain Christopher Mazin was accompanied by his grandparents Al and Diane, his father Randy, his brothers Randy and Logan, and his sister Adrianna.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 Page 13 SHS Sachems Cheerleading Team Celebrate Seniors Alesha Bien-Aime was accompanied by her mother, Tamara Blanc, her grandmother Lucy Benjamin, her cousin Melissa Millien, her father Alex Bien-Aime, and her friend, Daina Philip. Kat Byrd was accompanied by her father, Michael Byrd. Seniors, shown from left to right, are: Kat Byrd, Lanyelis Guadalupe Perez, Alesha Bien-Aime, Leeomi Pagan, Adelina Spinney and Madison Carillo. Madison Carillo was accompanied by her father Jason Carillo and her mother, Jill Parker. Adelina Spinney was accompanied by her uncle Steven Mullen, her mother, Therese, and her grandmother, Ginny during last Friday’s SHS Sachems Girls’ Varsity Cheerleading Team Senior Night at home. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Lanyelis Guadalupe Perez was accompanied by her father Moises Perez and her mother Tiani Fonseca Perez. Leeomi Pagan was accompanied by her mother Noemi Peńa, her sister Angelys Pagan, and her boyfriend, Dylan Payańo. S By Dom Nicastro t was tough night for Saugus football, as the Sachems fell 34-0 to Swampscott at home last week, its fourth straight loss. The defeat dropped Saugus to 1-6 overall (0-4 final record in the Northeastern Conference) and officially ended any hopes of a postseason berth. Swampscott, which entered the game on a hot streak after early-season struggles, showed the balance and experience that have made the Big Blue a traditional Northeastern Conference contender. The visitors built a commanding lead behind the play of running back and linebacker Will Bush, who found the end zone and impacted the game on both sides of the ball. Swampscott is 5-2 overall and 3-0 in the Northeastern Conference, clinching at least a tie of the title. Should they beat Salem at home Thursday, Oct. 30, they’ll own the NEC crown all to themselves. Coach Steve Cummings credited Bush for being one of the conference’s elite players. “Will Bush is a complete football player,” Cummings said. “He does just a little bit of everything. But once he gets in the open field, he’s really tough to keep up with. He’s got top-end speed, does a really nice job being patient, but then when it’s time, when he sees it, he kind of sticks his foot in the ground and goes. He’s getting some college looks, and it’s deserved. He’s a fantastic football player.” For Saugus, the shutout continued a season-long theme of inconsistency on offense. The Sachems have struggled to sustain drives, often moving the ball in spurts before being set back by penalties or missed opWhile wins have been hard portunities. “We’re just struggling to kind of put a rhythm together offensively,” Cummings said. “We pick up a couple first downs, then we have a big setback. It’s kind of been that broken record all year.” Still, the coach pointed to individual improvement in some key areas. Junior cornerback Kameron Conroy drew praise for his defensive play against Swampscott’s passing attack. “We had a couple bright spots,” Cummings said. “Kam Conroy, playing at corner, really showed a lot of growth at that spot. He played really well. He was really good all night, so we’re hoping to build off that for the rest of the year.” to come by, the Sachems remain relatively healthy entering their regular-season finale and upcoming consolation rounds. After the regular season ends against Medford on the road Thursday, Oct. 30 (6 p.m.), Saugus will play two consolation-round games, for teams that don’t make the postseason and teams that get eliminated after Round 1 of the playoffs. The good news? Saugus has a close-to-clean bill of health. “I don’t think we really had augus High School Sachems Girls’ Varsity Cheerleading Team honored their seniors at home last Friday during their Senior Night game. Football Sachems shut out by Swampscott, looks to rebound at Medford I Cummings expects conditions to play a major role. “It looks like Thursday night we’re going to be in torrential downpours,” he said. “It’s going to be windy; it’s going to be rainy. I think both of us have similar style offenses, where we try to run the ball, rely on the guys up front, so it kind of plays into both teams.” With both programs emphasizing the ground game, Cummings anticipates a physical, low-scoring contest. “I think everything on any injuries coming through,” Cummings said. “So, we’ll be going to Medford on Thursday healthy.” Saugus will close the regular season Thursday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m. against Medford, which sits at 2-5 overall and 2-4 in the Greater Boston League. Thursday is going to come down to who can stop the run, take advantage of field position,” he said. “Points are going to be at a premium with the way the weather looks like it’s going to shake out. Whoever handles it better is probably going to win this football game.”
Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 postseason drought, Sewell hits 100, volleyball makes tourney Sachems Fall Sports Roundup: Field hockey ends By Dom Nicastro I t was a historic fall week for Saugus athletics. The field hockey team returned to the postseason for the first time since 2016, girls soccer celebrated a 100-point milestone and volleyball and soccer squads kept battling to the end of the regular season. In her first season as head coach, Julie Champigny guided Saugus field hockey to its first postseason appearance in nearly a decade — a remarkable turnaround for a small, young roster that finished 9-9 after going 5-12-1 last fall. Champigny, who spent the past two years coaching Saugus’ JV squad, took over from longtime head coach Barbara Guarente and immediately set out to reenergize the program. With only 18 players — including three seventh graders — the team competed as a varsity-only squad, often relying on sheer stamina and cohesion to stay competitive in the rugged Northeastern Conference. “I’m just so proud of this group,” Champigny said. “We had players who never came off the field, and their effort and resilience were incredible.” The Sachems found their rhythm after a key 1-0 win over Danvers, a game Champigny called “pivotal for our season.” Sophomore Julia Strout scored the game-winner off a corner from Teaghan Arsenault, while junior goalie Jordyn Ripley-DeBOARD OF SELECTMEN | FROM PAGE 11 us preserve our small-town character while keeping our services strong and maintaining consistency in local government. Sandro Pansini Souza, former candidate for Selectman: 1) Charter Review Committee: Yes. 2) Staggered Terms for Selectmen and School Committee: No. 3) Public Safety Saugus field hockey captains and coach, left to right, Jordyn Ripley-Deminski, Sydney Ferreira, Coach Julie Champigny, Audrey Comeau and Anna Enwright. minski anchored the shutout with multiple clutch saves. “That was the moment our leadership and intensity shifted,” Champigny said. “The upperclassmen stepped up, and the whole tone of the team changed.” A midseason tactical change from a 3-2-3-2 formation to a 3-3-3-1 lineup proved equally transformative. Angelina Dow moved from defense to center midfield, and Sydney Ferreira transitioned into a central defensive role — adjustments that balanced Saugus’ structure and unleashed more consistent play on both ends. “The flexibility and buy-in from the players made the difference,” Champigny said. Committee: Yes. If I could make one change to improve how Saugus operates, it would be to establish a permanent system of collaboration and accountability between Town departments, boards, and residents. Too often, communication breaks down between our committees, and decisions are made in isolation rather than in coordination. For example, the School Committee, Select“Once we made those switches, people were in roles where they became unstoppable.” The team’s four captains — seniors Anna Enwright and Audrey Comeau, and juniors Ferreira and Ripley-Deminski — guided a roster filled with freshmen and sophomores who quickly rose to the varsity challenge. “I inherited four captains, and they had a lot on their plate with such a young team,” Champigny said. “They became true leaders — positive, vocal and determined to bring the team together.” Champigny credits her players’ resilience and a strong sophomore class, including Strout, Arsenault and Sofia Mcmen, and Finance Committee may each be working hard— but not always in the same direction. The result is frustration, duplication, and delays in solving the very issues residents care about most: safety, infrastructure, schools, and taxes. My proposal would be to create an “Open Coordination Council”—a quarterly public meeting that brings together representatives from evCarrier, for the program’s upward trajectory. The team is also taking steps toward long-term growth — including plans for a Saugus Youth Field Hockey League, a crucial addition given that Saugus is one of the few NEC programs without a feeder system. “You can see how programs with pipelines thrive. For us to make the tournament this year without that base — that’s special.” Ripley-Deminski is the team’s seasoned goaltender. She made countless saves and is a leader in the circle and has made some “elite saves defending the goal during corners.” ery central town body, department heads, and citizen groups to discuss priorities, identify overlaps, and issue a short action summary for public view. This is not another layer of government, but a mechanism for transparency, teamwork, and trust—a way to keep everyone at the same table, focused on results. This same approach can benefit our schools. Collaboration between educators, parSaugus finished the regular season with three out of four wins, including a 3-0 victory over Everett behind two goals from Dow and one from Ferreira, a 1-0 win over Danvers and 7-0 wins over Northeast Voke and Malden. Saugus soccer team finishes regular season strong On the soccer fields, it was also a big week for milestones. The Saugus girls soccer team tied Division 2 Billerica, 1-1, to close the regular season, with Shalyn Sewell scoring the goal and her sister Shawn providing the assist for her 100th career point. Maria Garcia and Lauren Mudafort anchored a strong defensive showing, and senior goalie Peyton DiBiasio made several key saves. The team was awaiting its playoff fate as of press time. Volleyball makes tourney in final week The Saugus volleyball team “We’re so excited about the won its final few matches to Youth League,” Champigny said. get into the tourney with a 1010 record. The Sachems earned the No. 39 seed out of 41 teams in Division 3 and will face familiar foe No. 26 Swampscott on the road. Time and date were TBD as of press time. This is the second straight season the Sachems made the postseason under coach Mikayla Niles, who took the varsity post starting last year. ents, and town officials must go beyond budget season. Regular, shared planning will help us direct resources where they truly make a difference for students and teachers, not just where the loudest voices push. Saugus deserves leadership that listens, coordinates, and acts—not just talks. Together, we can build a local government that reflects the best of who we are: transparent, united, and forward-looking.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 Page 15 Saugus Gardens in the Fall Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener S o far there are still some annuals blooming despite the cool mornings. A relative of the French marigolds pictured last week, bright orange and yellow African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) have long stems that make some varieties great choices for bouquets, and in the garden they can compete with the pumpkins for bright seasonal color. A grass family (Poaceae) member that has recently become a popular fall ornamental plant after centuries of being grown as a food crop in Africa and Asia is pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum, sometimes known as Cenchrus americanus). It is related to corn (Zea mays). For those of us who live in cold climates, pearl millet may be most familiar as the tiny round seed included in many birdseed mixes. As a food for people, it has advantages of being gluten-free, and it grows fairly quickly from seed to harvest, while requiring less water than many other grains. It can be ground into flour used to make popular flatbreads, cooked with water to make a porridge or mixed with fluids and sometimes fermented to make some drinks popular in Asia and Africa. In recent years, ornamental varieties with colorful foliage — dark purple to burgundy, chartreuse and striped combinations of these, have been marketed as a fall ornamental plant. Millet’s seedhead, when dry, looks a bit like a cat’s tail, fuzzed with fear or excitement, like a Halloween cat. The dried seedA bouquet of orange African marigolds and white double baby’s breath are the centerpiece of a fall arrangement in a stairway corner. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) op skin reactions just from handling the plant. As a result, some nurseries are reluctant to grow it. I have not personally met anyone yet who had experienced a negative reaction to handling this plant, but it may be wise to be cautious. Other names for it include A Trick-or-Treat sign is embellished with a cluster of millet stalks rather than the expected cornstalks. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) heads and stalks can be used in dried flower arrangements. The millet stalks attached to the “Trick or Treat” sign in the photo was one I grew in a pot last fall. It does not get as tall as a cornstalk but can be used in similar ways for late fall displays. It may sound pretty creepy to grow the “Queen of Poisons” in your garden, but it actually has quite beautiful flowers in a much-desired color. Monkshood (Aconitum spp.) is one of the few garden plants that can have true blue flowers. It is related to delphinium (Delphinium spp.); has similar tall spikes of blossoms and can produce blossoms in similar colors of blue, purple, pink, yellow or white, depending on variety. The monkshood species most commonly available (Aconitum napellus) blooms in October and is a dramatic addition to the fall garden. However, it does come with some serious warnings — it is poisonous if eaten, and some people have reported skin irritation from even handling the plant. Like many other plants used medicinally, it can be fatal in the wrong dosage, and some people are reported to develwolfsbane, devil’s helmet, soldier’s cap, aconite and blue rocket. Monkshood is reliably perennial in our climate and grows in sun or part shade. It is not closely related to the winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis), a popular early spring bulb, although both belong to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Fall foliage continues to dazzle. Sugar maples (Acer saccharum) are especially known for their vivid color, and many other maple species are also at peak color this week. While lacking the bright reds and oranges of many maples, other trees, such as lindens (Tilia spp.), honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) and birches (Betula spp.), are showMonkshood is one of the few flowers that can bloom in a true blue, and it is one of the last to flower in fall. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) ing brilliant yellow fall color. A group of lindens in a Route 1 parking lot pictured above stands out even at night under the lights. Plantings of honey locust can be found along Central Street, especially near the rotary in Saugus Center, and in several parking lots along Route 1, and most are beginning to shed their bright yellow leaflets. Our native birches in Breakheart Reservation and elsewhere have mostly turned to gold as well. Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is a A line of lindens gleam golden in the parking lot lights in front of Lakeshore Learning Store on Route 1. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) Sugar maples glow above traffic on Walnut Street near Walnut Place. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) landscape design consultant who helps homeowners with landscape design, plant selection and placement of trees and shrubs, as well as perennials. She is a member of the Saugus Garden Club and offered to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town” shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inspired after seeing so many people taking up walking.
Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus H appy Halloween to Saugus families and kids of all ages – from the young children who are old enough to walk while being accompanied by their parents on their first Trick-or-Treat experience all the way up to the senior citizens who like to dress up in a costumes and have fun while handing out candy bars and other treats to the little goblins who come knocking at their door. But, unfortunately, the times are such that the kids and what they bring home have to be monitored closely by their parents. They also need to be careful of speeding cars in the dark that drive recklessly or impaired by drugs or alcohol. Fortunately for Saugus, Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and a bunch of people at Town Hall have collaborated on an event that involves the collaboration of town employees dressed up in Halloween costumes who hand out candy and assorted treats for kids. The tradition began last year and was such a success that Town Hall was scheduled to hold its second annual Trick-or-Treat experience yesterday to do something fun for all of the town kids that showed up. I noticed on Monday that there were several giant, scary creatures hanging in the hall near the staircase to the second floor. We’ll get some details on that next week. Last day for the Pumpkin Patch Lots of pumpkins are still available at the Annual Pumpkin Patch at First Congregational Church in Saugus Center. Plenty of pumpkins of all sizes are now displayed on the church lawn and will be available for purchase up until 6 p.m. today, Halloween, Oct. 31. Halloween Party for seniors The Saugus Senior Center at 466 Central St. will be holding its annual Halloween Party, sponsored by WIN Waste Innovations, today (Friday, Oct. 31) from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. A SCARY SKELETON: The creepy creature guards the stairway inside Saugus Town Hall in preparation for the Oct. 30 Trick-or-Treat event at Saugus Town Hall. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Set your clocks back Saturday It’s going to be a busy weekend, whether you plan to make it a Halloween weekend, put a dent in the leaf raking or enjoy a weekend with somebody special savoring the sights of the gorgeous Fall Foliage. Don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour with the end of Daylight Savings Time. A good errand for the weekend would be to replace outdated alarms or change CO alarm batteries and the batteries in the house. Don’t forget to vote Tuesday Voter apathy seems to be at an all-time high – not just in Saugus – but throughout the country. Most communities have trouble fielding a 25 percent turnout of registered voters. I’m hoping that’s not the case in Saugus, where the last town election only drew a turnout of 23.4 percent and the 2021 town election barely drew 20 percent. There are enough serious issues facing the town and Saugus Public Schools, and citizens should be a little more civic-minded. They need to get involved as voters. And if a Saugonian has enough time and interest, he or she should volunteer to be on a board or a committee to help their community. Or they should try running for the Town Meeting or School Committee one of these years. Incumbent Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Jeff Ciolini offered some sage advice at the final meeting that should resonate with voters and candidates: “There are no wrongs in the upcoming election. No matter what the voters decide, it’s going to be right for the town.” Well stated. I will even add to that: Whoever runs in this year’s election is contributing to the betterment of their community. By campaigning, all candidates help put the public focus on communitywide problems. The people who don’t get elected are winners in my A frightening scarecrow at Saugus Town Hall is making himself at home. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) book, as long as they sought public office to help their community. If you lose this year’s election, try to get involved on a board that needs help. And keep running until you finally get elected A super Trunk or Treat “Shout Out” We received a very seasonal, super nomination for a “Shout Out” from Kristy Baker and Kelly Donahue, teachers at the Veterans Early Learning Center and Founders of K&K Hootenanny: “This past weekend, we hosted Saugus’s 6th Annual Trunk or Treat! Hundreds of children came to this event and trick-ortreated at over 40 trunks, decorated by Saugus’s community members, including the Saugus Fire Department, Saugus Police Department, Saugus Public Schools’ staff members, the Saugus Public Library, Saugus High athletic teams, local businesses, and many devoted Saugus citizens and families! This event also raised money for the Children’s Brain Tumor Project, in memory of Jiovanni Luciani, the son of a retired Want to “Shout Out” a fellow Saugonian? This is an opportunity for our paper’s readers to single out – in a brief mention – remarkable acts or achievements by Saugus residents or an act of kindness or a nice gesture. Just send an email (mvogeatcomcast.net) with a mention in the subject line of “An Extra Shout Out.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/ or a photo. THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 17 Saugus educator,” the teachers said in a statement. “We would love to thank all of the community members who decorated their trunks, passed out candy, and generously donated their time, energy, and money to this event. It would not have been a success without them. We also would like to thank Matt Serino, Saugus’s Athletic Director, the Saugus Youth and Recreation Department and the Department of Public Works for helping organize this event,” the statement said.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 Page 17 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 16 Who stole the metal wheelchair ramp? Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jean M. Bartolo offered a “Shout At” for a sneaky act of selfish thievery around town. “A portable metal wheelchair ramp has gone missing from George’s Barber Shop on Jackson Street,” Bartolo said. “The ramp has always been kept on the side of the building. The Barber Shop used the ramp to assist customers who are in wheelchairs to get into the Shop for haircuts. The Barber Shop has always been kind enough to let neighboring businesses … use the ramp as well. It would be great if it was returned.” Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Oct. 31) from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. The food pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Friday mornings. Volunteers are also welcome. Please call the Food Pantry Office (781-233-2663) or go to the website (cliftondalecc.org) for details. The Field of Flags is coming soon The Parson Roby Chapter of the DAR issued the following press release: Patriotism will once again fill the heart of Saugus this November as the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) proudly prepares for the 5th annual Veteran’s Day Field of Flags. On November 11, the lawn of Saugus Town Hall will be transformed into a sea of red, white, and blue in tribute to the brave men and women who have defended our freedoms — past, present, and future. Each American flag will carry the name of a veteran — living, deceased or currently serving. Flags may be sponsored for $5 each, with proceeds supporting the DAR’s mission to preserve American history, foster education, and promote patriotism. Sponsors may honor a family member, friend, neighbor, or employee who has served our nation with courage and sacrifice. The deadline to sponsor a ing Rally Car Show rollin’ by to show appreciation for Veterans. TRUNK OR TREAT: Veterans Early Learning Center’s Kailey Murphy, Julie Covey and Julie Imbriano embraced a Jaws theme with their trunk. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) flag is October 30th. To participate, please mail a check ($5 per flag) payable to Parson Roby Chapter DAR, along with the veteran’s information (Name, Rank, Branch of Service, Years of Service or War if known) to: Treasurer, 27 Pearson St., Saugus, MA 01906. Flags will be placed on the Town Hall lawn prior to Veteran’s Day, where they will remain proudly displayed through November 12th. After 12 noon on November 11th, sponsors may collect their flags as keepsakes or to place on a veteran’s grave. All flags will be removed from Town Hall lawn on November 12th. Household Hazardous Waste Day Tomorrow Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree announced this week that the Town of Saugus will host a Household Hazardous Waste Day tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 1) from 9 a.m. to noon at the Belmonte STEAM Academy (25 Dow St.). There is no cost to Saugus residents to discard allowed items at the Household Hazardous Waste Day. No appointment is necessary. The following items can be disposed of at this event: · Household Materials: acids (corrosives), aerosol cans, art supplies, batteries, chemistry set and photography chemicals, fiberglass resins, furniture, floor, metal polishers and strippers, mercury containing devices, moth balls/crystals, oil paint, paint thinners, varnish, stain/shellac (no latex), rug and upholstery cleaners, solvent adhesives, turpentine and paint solvents, wood preservatives, hair dye, nail polish remover, toilet cleaners, brighteners, chlorine bleach, spot removers, spray starch, whiteners and drain and oven cleaners. · Lawn and garden materials, cesspool cleaners (corrosives), flammable liquids/gasoline, flea and tick powders, fire starters, herbicides and pesticides, no-pest strips, poisons, pool chemicals and propane tanks (empty or up to 20 lbs.) · Automotive Products: antifreeze, batteries, brake fluid, carburetor cleaner, oil (used), radiator flush, solvents and degreasers, tire cleaners and transmission fluid. Latex paint can be dried out and disposed of with your curbside trash. Please contact Scott Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions. Quilt Show November 8 The 2025 Hammersmith Quilters Guild will hold its annual Quilt Show on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Saugus Senior Center at 466 Central St. in Saugus. The admission is $6. This year’s show will feature prizes, a cafe, a boutique, a penny sale and vendors. The Senior Center is handicapped accessible. For details, please contact Carol A. Healy, Treasurer, Hammersmith Quilters Guild, at cdhealyatrcn.com or 781-307-5474. Veterans Day Car Show November 11 at Veteran’s Memorial Park; before the ceremony, there will be a RollTHAT HALLOWEEN SPIRIT: Jen McCullough, a paraprofessional at the Veterans Early Learning Center, and Zachary Baker are giving out Halloween tattoos and collecting donations for the Children’s Brain Tumor Project. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) Saugus High Drama Club prepares for November shows The Saugus High School Drama Club (SHSDC), under the direction of Saugus Middle High School Theatre Teacher Nick Raponi, are in rehearsals for their November production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid.” Dive under the sea with this magical production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid”! This family-friendly show brings beloved characters, dazzling costumes and unforgettable songs — such as “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls” — and many more favoritesto life on stage. Filled with heart, humor and spectacle, it’s a celebration of love, adventure and following your dreams. Don’t miss this enchanting journey that will showcase the incredible talent of our SMHS students! It promises to be fun for audiences of all ages! Tickets: Tickets will be available at the door or in advance, online. Tickets can be purchased at https://gofan.co/ app/school/MA14717_1 Show dates: Friday, November 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, November 15, at 2:00 p.m. (matinee perfect for younger audience members); Sunday, November 16, at 2:00 p.m. (matinee perfect for younger audience members). Ticket prices: Adults $15, Students $10; Preshow Event $8 per student (Saturday & Sunday at 12:30 p.m. before the show). In addition to the performance, the Friends of the SHSDC, along with SHSDC students, will host a Community Engagement Fundraiser Event beginning at 12:30 p.m., preceding the Saturday & Sunday matinees. The event will feature photo opportunities with Characters, Arts and Crafts, Face Painting and more. Definitely a fun event for families with young children! More information on these events will follow! All performances and events will take place at the SMHS complex, with performances taking place in the Lemoine-Mitchell Auditorium. We are thrilled to bring this Disney Classic to life and genuinely look forward to seeing you in the audience, supporting the hard work and dedication of the SHSDC students! About The Saugus Advocate We welcome press releases, news announcements, freelance articles and courtesy photos from the community. Our deadline is 6 p.m. on Tuesday. If you have a story idea, an article or a photo to submit, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a message at 978-683-7773. Or send your press release to me in the mail at PO Box 485, North Andover, MA 01845. Let us become your hometown newspaper. The Saugus Advocate is available in the Saugus Public Library, the Saugus Senior Center, Saugus Town Hall, local convenience stores and restaurants throughout town.
Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ and senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of October 20-24. The Senate votes include roll calls from several budget vetoes made by Gov. Maura Healey to the $60.9 billion fi scal 2026 state budget for the fi scal year that began July 1, 2025. The Senate overrode more than $70 million of Healey’s $130 million worth of budget vetoes. The House already overrode the same vetoes and the funding now stands and remains in the budget. “We are very confi dent that by overriding the governor’s vetoes, we can continue to fund services and programs and agencies that make up the fabric of our commonwealth, all while remaining fi scally responsible and living within our means,” said Sen. Jo Comerford, Vice Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. “Beacon Hill politicians spent the better part of a year warning about fi scal uncertainty from Washington, and now that those cuts have arrived, they’re ignoring their own warnings,” said Paul Craney, Executive Director for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. “Instead of learning to live within our means, the Legislature is proving once again that its only solution to a budget problem is more spending.” Craney added, “The governor’s vetoes were an extremely small step toward restraint, but the Legislature can’t even handle that. When state spending increases by billions year after year, even small, reasonable cuts become politically impossible. That’s why Massachusetts keeps lurching from one budget crisis to the next racking up one of the highest debts-per capita in the country.” PROTECT PUBLIC TRANSIT WORKERS FROM ASSAULT AND BATTERY (H 1877) House 160-0, approved and sent to the Senate legislation that would expand the current law which punishes anyone who commits assault and battery against a public employee. Current law applies to attempts to disarm a police offi cer; assault and battery upon a police offi cer; and assault and battery on a public employee when they are engaged in the performance of their duties. The bill would specifi cally add assault and battery on transit workers to the current law. It also provides that the assault in any of these cases can be by use of a bodily substance such as spitting or throwing substances like urine. “Our transit workers provide critical services all over the commonwealth, yet are many times assaulted by the very customers they serve,” said sponsor Rep. Joe McGonagle (D-Everett). “I am so thrilled to have this bill passed to provide our transit workers with the protections they deserve. The right to feel safe and supported on the job is just that, a right. I’m also extremely grateful to the brave men and women who came forward to share their stories.” “Our public transit system runs because of the dedication of workers who show up every day to serve us,” said Rep. Mike Day (D-Stoneham), House Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary. “Today we affi rmed the House’s continued commitment to protect those workers who are essential to the success of the commonwealth and our ev“This particular veto would eliminate eryday lives.” “We thank the House for voting in favor of this important legislation to protect our MBTA train and bus operators, and all public transit employees,” said Jim Evers, President of the Boston Carmens Union Local 589. “Protecting transit workers is essential to maintaining a safe and quality public transportation system. This bill will ensure the safety of the essential workers who keep our communities moving every day. We look forward to swift passage in the Senate so that these vital protections can be signed into state law to safeguard transit workers for generations to come.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Rep. Jessica Giannino Yes Rep. Donald Wong Yes ENHANCE CHILD WELFARE PROTECTIONS (H 4645) House 159-1, approved and sent to the Senate a proposal that supporters say would strengthen oversight, transparency and accountability within the state’s child welfare system. Provisions include consolidating reporting by the Department of Children and Families (DCF); clarifying the independence of the Offi ce of the Child Advocate; improving educational stability for children in care; and providing for the creation of a state child fatality review team. “Every child in Massachusetts deserves safety, stability and opportunity,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “This bill strengthens oversight, improves coordination between agencies and ensures that children in state care receive the support that they need to thrive.” “This bill strengthens the systems that protect the commonwealth’s most vulnerable children,” said Rep. Jay Livingstone (D-Boston), House Chair of the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. “It gives DCF, the Legislature and the public more tools to better understand what’s working, identify where improvement is needed and continue improving outcomes for children.” “DCF is being weaponized against potential foster parents of Christian faith and laws are beginning to encroach on religious freedom,” said Rep. John Gaskey (R-Carver) the only member who voted against the measure. “Buried in this legislation is a requirement for gender affi rming care. We should be moving away from this practice and moving toward gender confi rming care. Gender dysphoria is still a mental health problem that children need help navigating through and toward a healthy lifestyle. Foster children are our most vulnerable children and they need our protection.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Jessica Giannino Yes SCHOOL COMMITTEE | FROM PAGE 8 town manager”. He runs the day-to-day operation of the town as well as being responsible for the fi nancial operation. The Town Meeting is the appropriating authority; they approve the budget for the town. No funds can be spent in the town without the approval of the Town Meeting. The Board of Selectmen is the chief policy maker of the town. They also have responsibilities for licensing, traffi c and in some cases issuing special permits. Any resident can put forward an article for town meeting consideration. The School Committee by statute is the sole governing body dealing with the operation of the schools. The town allocates the budget for the operation of the schools. This is a bottom-line lump sum fi gure that is then up to the sole discretion Rep. Donald Wong Yes UNION REPRESENTATION (H 4645) House 159-1, approved an amendment to ensure that DCF social workers have union representation on the state’s child fatality review team. “As a licensed DCF social worker with nearly 25 years of experience, I know fi rsthand the importance of hearing the voices of frontline care workers in policymaking,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Jim O’Day (D-West Boylston). “Therefore, I fi led a successful amendment to ensure that DCF social workers have union representation on the state child fatality review team. Ultimately, I’m proud of the work that the House is doing to strengthen our state’s child welfare infrastructure and prevent future tragedies.” “This amendment sought to include another member to a review board that is a union administration person,” said Rep. John Gaskey (R-Carver) the only member who voted against the amendment. “I am not opposed to union representatives standing up and assisting in the defense of a member, but they should not be a part of a review board.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Jessica Giannino Yes Rep. Donald Wong Yes $1.5 MILLION FOR SEWER RATE RELIEF (H 4240) Senate 38-0, override Gov. Healey’s veto of the entire $1.5 million for the Commonwealth Sewer Rate Relief Fund which was established in 1993 to help reduce the rising costs of sewer services in the Bay State. “This veto would eliminate important funding that is used to reduce [consumers’] sewer and water rates, and for the commonwealth’s cities and towns utilizing the MWRA systems,” said Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Vice Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. “These reductions directly aff ect the fi nancial wellbeing of our residents. We have made this funding available for several years to lower the amount that individual ratepayers owe, ensure proper disposal of wastewater and process timely payments of debt service. It’s critical that we make these investments now to support the commonwealth’s long-term environmental and fi nancial goals.” In her veto message, Gov. Healy said, “I am vetoing this item to an amount consistent with my House [budget] recommendation.” (A “Yes” vote is for the $1.5 million.) Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes $300,000 FOR PROGRAMS FOR THE BLIND (H 4240) Senate 38-0, overrode Gov. Healey’s $300,000 veto reduction (from 8,864,721 to 8,564,721) in programs for the blind. of the school committee as to how these monies are spent. If all these entities work together for the greater good of the town, then the town can do nothing but succeed and prosper for all residents. Stephanie Mastrocola, incumbent Saugus School Committee member: She answered “Yes” on the fi rst question, “No” on the second question and “Yes” on the third question. earmarked funding for maximizing the independent living skills of legally blind residents,” said Sen. Comerford. “The earmarked funding is intended to support rehabilitation programs, housing assistance services, adjustment counseling services and devices, software and technology training for the blind. This funding represents a crucial piece of the Senate’s commitment to providing a robust system of supports for blind and visually impaired residents of the commonwealth.” In her veto message, Gov. Healey said, “I am reducing this item to the amount projected to be necessary. This reduction is not expected to impact planned programming.” (A “Yes” vote is for the $300,000.) Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes $2.5 MILLION FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE (H 4240) Senate 38-0, overrode Gov. Healey’s $2.5 million veto reduction (from 8,864,721 to $6,364,721) in programs for the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services. “This veto would reduce funding earmarked for low threshold housing, for homeless individuals with substance use and mental health disorders who are also at risk of HIV,” said Sen. Comerford. “The funding supports both continued programming and expansions of low threshold housing units. Low threshold housing units represent an approach to homelessness that is more supportive of individuals with substance and mental health disorders. Many senators in this chamber value these kinds of programs. Fully funding low threshold housing programs is a critical aspect in creating an increasingly public health led and equity focused response to homelessness in the commonwealth.” In her veto message, Gov. Healey said, “I am reducing this item to the amount projected to be necessary to support continued programming. This operating funding overlaps with significant alternative funding sources to support expansions in low-threshold housing units and related supports.” (A “Yes” vote is for the $2.5 million.) Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes $1.5 MILLION FOR EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES (H 4240) Senate 38-0, override Gov. Healey’s $1,530,735 veto reduction (from $39,250,384 to 37,719,649) in early intervention services. “This particular veto would reduce funding for the early intervention program, which provides crucial support to infants and toddlers experiencing or at risk for developmental delays, as well as supporting their families and caregivers,” said Sen. Comerford. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, families have faced signifi cant challenges to accessing and using these early intervention services. This funding represents a critical component of the Legislature’s ongoing commitment to increasing the program’s capacity for the sake of the children and their families across the commonwealth.” In her veto message, Gov. Healey said, “I am reducing this item to align with current utilization trends.” (A “Yes” vote is for the $1,530,735.) Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes $2.3 BILLION FISCAL 2025 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (S 2575) BEACON | SEE PAGE 19 If I could make one change to improve the operation of town government and the governance of Saugus Public Schools, it would be to start with our motto that has been used over and over again on signs and t-shirts and at special events. ONE TOWN ONE TEAM. If we really want to practice that, then we have to act like it. We need to start holding community meetings at the school where there are Fire, Police, Selectmen, School Committee members, Town Meeting members and any of the other organizations who want to join. Let the community come and ask questions to the people who have the real answers. Not the ones on Social Media who want to get people all fi red up with false information. Let people be held accountable when tough questions SCHOOL COMMITTEE | SEE PAGE 21 Senate 39-0, approved a $2.3 billion supplemental budget to close out the books on state government for fi scal year 2025. The actual cost to the state will be $795 million after revenue from federal reimbursements has been sent to the state. The House has approved a diff erent version of the supplemental budget and a House-Senate conference committee will eventually hammer out a compromise version. A key provision provides $2.04 billion for MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program that provides health care for low-income and disabled persons -- with a net cost to the state of only $539 million after reimbursements from the federal government. The bill restores $18.3 million in funding for student fi nancial aid assistance ahead of the spring semester and proactively protects additional support for community college students earning degrees through the MassEducate program. A new Public Higher Education Student Support Fund ensures that a key stipend for books and supplies remains fully funded. Other provisions include $12 million to support the universal meals program for school children; $12.5 million to cover nocost phone call communications for incarcerated people; $14 million to aid people in treatment for substance use and alcohol addiction; $18.5 million to support public health hospitals; $5 million for reproductive health care; $60.7 million for snow and ice removal expenses; $75 million for the Housing Preservation and Stabilization Trust Fund which supports aff ordable rental housing in the Bay State; creation of an investigation of sheriff s’ fi scal year 2025 spending in response to sharp annual growth in the sheriff s’ spending defi - cits; and protection for federal workers and Armed Forces service members to prevent them from losing their housing to a residential eviction or foreclosure during the federal government shutdown. “I’m proud the Senate has taken this opportunity to support our residents and insist on important transparency measures in this closeout supplemental budget,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “We are reconfi rming our commitment to public higher education by restoring and protecting key funding to support college students’ success. We are protecting our residents from dangerous federal actions by ensuring they have access to the vaccines they need to keep themselves and their families safe.” “With uncertainty persisting in the federal government, it is important to demonstrate the state’s fi scal integrity,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “That is why, today, the Senate responsibly closed the books on fi scal year 2025 with a fi scally sound closeout budget that ensures the commonwealth meets its obligations while continuing to support critical programs that serve Massachusetts residents. This budget also establishes fi scal oversight of all county sheriff s’ departments, a necessary step to rein in years of overspending that has signifi cantly escalated in fi scal year 2025.” (A “Yes” vote is for the budget.)
BEACON | FROM PAGE 18 Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes REQUIRE REPORT ON THE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FAMILY SHELTER SYSTEM (S 2655) Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would reinstate the requirement that the Healey Administration submit a biweekly report on the cost and occupancy of the emergency assistance family shelter system. The previous requirement of reports lapsed at the end of fiscal year 2025. Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), the sponsor of the amendment, said one of the things both parties have always held as a shared value in the Senate chamber is accountability. He noted that when we entered a difficult time in our shelter system, we required more information about the cost and occupancy of the shelter system. He said it helped us understand what was happening so we knew what we had to plan to do to respond to that crisis. He argued it is time to reinstate that system. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.) Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE (H 3613) – The Transportation Committee held a hearing on legislation that would establish a special commission to study the feasibility of setting time limits for handicapped parking placard use in metered spots. The commission would include legislators, state officials and appointees of the governor, who would be tasked with gathering input from experts and the public. Its purpose is to explore potential benefits, impacts and options such as reduced or standardized fees after time limits expire. “I filed this legislation to promote fairness and improve accessibility in metered parking spots,” said sponsor Rep. Bruce Ayers (D-Quincy). “Establishing this commission to study the feasibility of time limits for handicapped placard use will help ensure that these spaces remain available throughout the day for as many people as possible who rely on them.” SMOKING IN NON-SMOKING APARTMENTS (S 1137) – A bill heard by the Judiciary Committee would create a legal assumption about whether there has been smoking in a non-smoking apartment. The assumption relies on the fact that there is no legitimate reason why a renter should take down, unplug or cover their smoke detectors. If a renter does this, they will be assumed to have been smoking. The landlord must prove the detectors were there when the renter moved in. A third party, like the fire department, must testify or provide a report that the detectors were not there after the incident. “This bill would provide property owners with the ability to address smoking complaints, which in turn, protects tenants, neighbors and public health,” said sponsor Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy). “It closes a statutory loophole which causes tenants and property owners to struggle when faced with complaints against tenants for smoking in non-smoking buildings.” COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE HOLDS HEARING ON SEVERAL BILLS INCLUDING: PROHIBIT HEALTH BOARDS FROM UNILATERALLY BANNING THE SALE OF LEGAL PRODUCTS (H 371) - Would prohibit municipal Boards of Health from banning the sale of any legal consumer product by authorized retailers without authorization of the local town meeting or city council. “This bill seeks to ensure that local boards and committees, be they elected or appointed, don’t overstep their authority to pursue idealistic, but potentially unconstitutional, bans on consumer products,” said sponsor Rep. Joe McKenna (R-Sutton). “It maintains the ability for a community to come together through its ordinary legislative process, whether city council or town meeting, to pass such a local bylaw should the constituency of the community want it. Government entities must respect individuals’ rights and liberties and ability to choose to live their life free of onerous government mandates or restrictions. FLAVORED HOOKAH TOBACCO PRODUCTS (S 270) – Would exempt flavored and menthol hookah tobacco from the 2019 law that prohibits the sale of any flavored or menthol tobacco products. “This bill will ensure that small businesses and consumers are responsible in the sale, purchase and consumption of certain flavored tobacco products,” said sponsor Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “This would place regulations on the sale of certain tobacco products that will ensure the safety of the business themselves, and their consumers, while allowing for an exemption from the flavored tobacco ban in Massachusetts. Overall, this bill is meant to protect our members of the public and ensure responsibility when participating in recreational tobacco.” DIGITAL GROCERY COUPONS (H 470) – Would mandate that all grocery food stores offering digital coupons also offer identical paper coupons to shoppers. It also requires digital coupons to be automatically applied to the purchases of any consumer over the age of 65, or any consumer who asks about available digital coupons. Violators would be fined $2,500 for the first offense and $5,000 fine for each subsequent offense. “This bill seeks to create fairness for senior citizens who might not have access to a so-called smart phone and thus currently do not have access to electronic coupons,” said sponsor Rep. Jeff Turco (D-Winthrop). BAN COSMETICS WHICH USE ANIMAL TESTING (S 263) – Would prohibit a manufacturer from selling any cosmetic product in the Bay State that the manufacturer knew, or reasonably should have known, that animal testing was used to produce the product. “The testing of cosmetic products on animals is shocking and inhumane, supporting abusive environments and tortured lives for rabbits, primates, dogs and other types of animals that can feel pain and experience emotions,” said co-sponsor Sen. Mike Moore (D-Millbury). “This legislation, which I am proud to co-sponsor, would disrupt the status quo and encourage companies to be better by disallowing the sale of products that were created at the expense of these innocent animals.” The chief sponsor of the bill, Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford), did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on his bill and why he thinks it should be approved. HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of October 20-24, the House met for a total of four hours and 41 minutes and the Senate met for a total of eight hours. Mon.Oct. 20 House11:00 a.m. to 11:12 a.m. Senate 11:38 a.m. to 12:14 p.m. Tues.Oct. 21 No House session. No Senate session. Wed.Oct. 22 House11:01 a.m. to3:16 p.m. No Senate session. Thurs. Oct. 23 House11:01 a.m. to 11:15a.m. Senate 11:07 a.m. to6:31p.m. Fri.Oct. 17 No House session. No Senate session. Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019. THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 WONG | FROM PAGE 2 ee. The law carries a penalty of imprisonment for not less than 90 days and not more than 2 1⁄2 years in a house of correction or a fine of between $500 and $5,000. He noted that House Bill 4645 expands the current law by adding the Page 19 crime of assault and battery by means of a bodily substance. The bill defines a bodily substance as “any human secretion, discharge or emission including, but not limited to, blood, saliva, mucous, semen, urine or feces.” According to the Federal Transit Administration, assaults on public transit employees increased by 232% nationwide between 2014 and 2024. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority reported over 600 assaults on its employees in 2024 alone, 33 of which included a weapon and 38 of which involved the use of a bodily fluid in the attack. Limited Powers Of Appointments I n the context of an irrevocable trust, a provision can be included to provide for much more flexibility insofar as ultimate distribution of trust assets is concerned. A limited or special power of appointment provision can be incorporated into the document to allow the Settlor (sometimes referred to as Donor or Grantor) of the trust to effectively change which beneficiaries will ultimately receive the principal of the trust and can also decide upon the timing of those distributions. It should be noted that MassHealth hearing officers, Superior Court judges and Appellate Court judges are of the opinion that reserving such a power in an irrevocable trust does not taint the trust and result in the assets being “countable” for MassHealth eligibility purposes. The Trustee of an irrevocable income only Trust may also have the power to “appoint” the trust principal to a class of individuals consisting of the Settlors children or other issue, such as grandchildren or great grandchildren. Appointing assets is equivalent to distributing assets. Therefore, the Trustee of such a Trust could appoint any portion of the trust principal to a descendant of the Settlor of the Trust. For MassHealth purposes, if at all possible, it would certainly make sense for the Trustee to not exercise such power of appointment until five years have elapsed since the assets were first transferred to the irrevocable trust. It should also be noted that once the assets of the trust are appointed to a son or daughter, for example, that son or daughter is legally free to do whatever he or she wants to do with those assets. A limited power of appointment provision in an irrevocable Trust can also be exercised via the Settlor’s Last Will and Testament by including the necessary provision in the Last Will and Testament itself and then submitting it to the probate court and having it allowed upon the Settlor’s death. If the Settlor of the irrevocable trust decides down the road that he or she would rather distribute assets of the Trust to some or all of the grandchildren, the limited power of appointment provision will allow for that flexibility. If the Settlor had a falling out with a son or daughter, the Settlor could effectively disinherit that son or daughter by appointing the trust principal to the Settlor’s other children via his or her Last Will and Testament. Such a provision provides a substantial amount of control over the ultimate distribution of the Settlor’s estate. The limited power of appointment is “limited” because the Settlor cannot appoint any of the trust principal to the Settlor’s estate, the Settlor’s creditors, or the creditors of the Settlor’s estate. Joseph D. Cataldo is an estate planning/elder law attorney, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, AICPA Personal Financial Specialist and holds a masters degree in taxation.
Page 20 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www. thewarrengroup.com. BUYER1 Lauziere, Jillian R Leblanc, Daniel Shen, David Z Diane Marie (LaBella) Maruzzi O f Saugus. Passed away peacefully on Monday, October 27th at the age of 80, with family by her side. Born and raised in East Boston, Diane met the love of her life, Robert Maruzzi, at just 15 years BUYER2 Lauziere, Michael A Leblanc, Maria F Shen, Nicole S SELLER1 Guarino, Giacomo G Argueta Properties LLC Lauziere, Jillian old. Together, they shared 59 years of marriage— filled with love, laughter, dancing, and an unwavering devotion to one another. Discount Tree Service 781-269-0914 Humane Removal Service COMMONWEALTH WILDLIFE CONTROL ANIMAL & BIRD REMOVAL INCLUDING RODENTS CALL 617-285-0023 SELLER2 Guarino, Kelly M Lauziere, Michael OBITUARIES Professional TREE REMOVAL & Cleanups 24-HOUR SERVICE Known affectionately as Nan, Auntie Di, and jokingly as Lady Di, Diane was a constant source of strength, laughter, kindness, and unconditional love. A talented seamstress and furniture salesperson at Sears, she also took great joy in her time with the Red Hat Society and her work at the Saugus Senior Center. Diane was always ready to lend a hand and brighten a room with her humor. Her passions were many: sewing, baking, knitting, playing cards and Rummikub, and, most of all, spending time with her cherished grandchildren. Diane had a gift for bringing people together with eff ortless warmth and ease —her home was always open, her table always full. She welcomed others not just into her home but into her life and heart through countless celebrations, fi lled with her many friends and her large close knit extended family. Diane’s legacy lives on in the stitches she sewed, the recipes she shared, the dances she led and the lives she touched. Her memory will be carried forward in every story told, every 1. On Oct. 31, 1962, what fi lm starring Joan Crawford and Bette Davis debuted in the USA? 2. What sport has involved walking teams in age categories from over-50s–70s and had a World Nations Cup in October? 3. How are Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” twins and those in the Laurel & Hardy fi lm “Our Relations” similar? 4. November is National Pomegranate Month; are pomegranates in the Bible or Torah? 5. Where is Jerome — the USA’s largest ghost town and “Wickedest Town in the West”? 6. What does the symbol of an 8 on its side mean? 7. On Nov. 1, 1938, what horse with a name including a food name won a “race of the century” at Pimlico in Baltimore? 8. Halloween derived from Samhain, which was what kind of festival: Celtic, French or German? 9. Why wasn’t there much Halloween celebrating during World War II? 10. November 2 is Statehood Day in what two states named after a Native American tribe? 11. What is Allhallowtide? 12. Reportedly, the term “trickor-treat” originated in what century: 18th, 19th or 20th? 13. On Nov. 3, 1956, what 1939 fi lm with a dog actress named Terry fi rst appeared on TV? 14. In the satire “Pumpkinification of the Divine Claudius,” who was Claudius? 15. November 4 is Election Day; card game played with a passion to win, and laughter inspired by her example. Diane was the daughter of the late Gerard and Alba Marie (Manzo) LaBella. A resident of Saugus for 58 years. Diane Maruzzi is survived by her two children; Sandra Nigro, her husband Kevin and Michael Maruzzi, his wife Arlene; two grandchildren, Katelin Simas, her husband Gilbert, Michael Nigro, his wife Grace; two sisters, Barbara Emma (husband Salvatore) and Geraldine Ventre (husband Charles); three brothers, Anthony LaBella (wife Ann Marie), Gerard LaBella (late wife Patricia) and Alan LaBella (wife Debbie). She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Diane will be remembered always for her giving spirit, her welcoming heart, her humor and her joy for life. She nurtured her family with endless love, supported everyone around her with generosity, and found her greatest pride in the laughter and accomplishments of her grandchildren. Relatives and friends are inhistorically, what dessert was popular on Election Day? 16. In what Shakespeare play about a dictator is “And graves have yawn’d, and yielded up their dead... And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the streets”? 17. On Nov. 5, 1940, FDR was elected to which of his four presidencies? 18. The “shih” in the shih tzu dog breed is derived from a Chinese word for what animal? 19. Where are the islets of Langerhans: Germany, “Gulliver’s Travels” or the pancreas? 20. On Nov. 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln won election with about what percent of the popular vote: 40, 58 or 85? vited to attend a funeral mass in Blessed Sacrament Church, 14 Summer St., Saugus on Monday, November 3rd at 10:30 a.m. followed by interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody. In lieu of fl owers, donations in Diane’s memory may be made to the Saugus Senior Center, 466 Central St., Saugus, MA 01906. Francis J. D’Urso O f FL, fo r - merly of Saugus. Age 90, died on Tuesday, October 21st at the Tidewell Hospice in Florida. He was the husband of the late Rita (Orlando) D’Urso. Born in Boston, Mr. D’Urso was the son of the late Gennaro and Severina (Sala) D’Urso. He was retired from the G.E. Riverworks Aviation Division. A U.S. Army Korean War OBITS | SEE PAGE 21 ANSWERS ADDRESS 29 Prospect St 50 Bow St 10 Makepeace St CITY Saugus Saugus Saugus DATE 10.09.25 10.08.25 10.09.25 PRICE 860000 650000 665000 1. “What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?” 2. Walking football (soccer in the USA) 3. The plot involves two sets of twins being confused for each other. 4. In both 5. The Black Hills in Arizona 6. Infi nity 7. Seabiscuit (FDR stopped a cabinet meeting to listen to the race on the radio.) 8. Celtic 9. The USA was cut off from many sugar suppliers, resulting in sugar rationing. 10. North and South Dakota 11. The evening of Oct. 3I–Nov. 2: All Saint’s eve, All Saints’ Day (All Hallows’) and All Soul’s Day. 12. 20th 13. “The Wizard of Oz” (The dog Toto was played by Terry.) 14. A Roman emperor 15. Election cake; reportedly, it was a very large cake like a fruitcake. 16. “Julius Caesar” 17. Third 18. Lion 19. Pancreas 20. 40 (There were three candidates opposing him.)
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 Page 21 SCHOOL COMMITTEE | FROM PAGE 18 are asked. If you don’t have the right answer, then and there then find out for people. We forget when we take these roles on that there is a level of responsibility that comes with it. We have been elected to these positions by the Town of Saugus, and we owe it to the community to be forthcoming and transparent. It’s when we cut corners and give people answers they want to hear instead of what they need to hear. It would also promote conversation to help each other out by learning what each committee does and how we can bring change to the community. There are many ways we can enforce and embrace positive change. I have worked on it for the last two years. I will continue to push even harder if elected this term. Thank you. Stephanie Mastrocola Shannon McCarthy, a parent and active PTO member: She answered “Yes” to all OBITS | FROM PAGE 20 Veteran, Frank was a member of the VFW in Saugus and was past Commander of the Saugus American Legion. He was also a former member of Figlia D’Italia of Saugus. Frank could fix anything and was an avid Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots fan. He also enjoyed time spent with his friends and family. Mr. D’Urso is survived by his two daughters, Lisa M. D’Urso and Gina M. O’Toole and her husband Mark; four grandchildren, Mark O’Toole and his wife Alicia, Jacklyn Melanson and her husband Ryan, Francis J. D’Urso III and his wife Monica and Lucy D’Urso; one great granddaughter; and his partner, Beryl Clarke. He was predeceased by his son, Francis J. D’Urso, Jr. and three brothers, Nicholas, Jerome and Ronald D’Urso. Relatives and friends were invited to visitation in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus on Thursday October 30, followed by a funeral mass in Blessed Sacrament Church, Saugus. Interment in Riverside Cemetery in Saugus. Donations in Francis’s memory may be made the Fisher House of Boston at fisherhouseboston.org. three questions. If I could make one change to improve the operation of town government and the governance of Saugus Public Schools, it would be to establish a comprehensive accountability and modernization initiative that brings our systems, policies, and operations in line with today’s needs. The way our town government was structured was established at a very different time, with a very different scope of needs. What worked decades ago no longer fully supports the size, Licensed & Insured complexity, and expectations of our community today. Too often, both town and school decisions are made usSCHOOL COMMITTEE | SEE PAGE 22 Clean-Outs! We take and dispose from cellars, attics, garages, yards, etc. Call Robert at: 781-844-0472 Free Estimates Carpentry * Kitchen & Bath * Roofs * Painting Decks * Siding * Carrijohomeimprovement.com Call 781-710-8918 * Saugus, MA General Contractor * Interior & Exterior The Kid Does Clean Outs From 1 item to 1,000 * Basements * Homes * Backyards * Commercial Buildings The cheapest prices around! Call Eric: (857) 322-2854 Frank Berardino MA License 31811 • 24 - Hour Service • Emergency Repairs BERARDINO Plumbing & Heating Residential & Commercial Service Gas Fitting • Drain Service 617.699.9383 Senior Citizen Discount Steps Stoops Rebuilt or Repaired Chimney Rebuilt or Repaired House Foundation Leaks Repaired All Basement Repairs Chimney Inspection Roofing & Siding Masonry Repairs Window Installation & Repairs Drywall & Carpentry Waterproofing American Exterior and Window Corporation Contact us for all of your home improvement projects and necessities. Call Jeff or Bob Toll Free: 1-888-744-1756 617-699-1782 / www.americanexteriorma.com Windows, Siding, Roofing, Carpentry & More! All estimates, consultations or inspections completed by MA licensed supervisors. *Over 50 years experience. *Better Business Bureau Membership. Insured and Registered Complete Financing Available. No Money Down. We follow Social Distancing Guidelines!
SCHOOL COMMITTEE | FROM PAGE 21 Page 22 ing outdated information or processes. Within the schools, for example, some district fi les THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 31, 2025 have not been updated since 2010, and the emergency plan has not been reviewed since 2012. These gaps make it diffi cult to ensure transparency, ~ School Bus Drivers Wanted ~ 7D Licensed School Bus Drivers Malden Trans is looking for reliable drivers for the new school year. We provide ongoing training and support for licensing requirements. Applicant preferably lives local (Malden, Everett, Revere). Part-time positions available and based on AM & PM school hours....15-30 hours per week. Good driver history from Registry a MUST! If interested, please call David @ 781-322-9401. CDL SCHOOL BUS DRIVER WANTED Compensation: $28/hour School bus transportation company seeking active CDL drivers who live LOCALLY (Malden, Everett, Chelsea and immediate surrounding communities). - Applicant MUST have BOTH S and P endorsements as well as Massachusetts school bus certificate. Good driver history from Registry a MUST! - Part-time hours, BUT GUARANTEED 20-35 HOURS PER WEEK depending on experience. Contact David @ 781-322-9401. effi ciency, and responsiveness. At the same time, Saugus continues to grow. Our student population has increased from about 2,700 students in 2012 to roughly 2,900 today, while the number of schools has been reduced to just three. With new 40B housing projects underway, enrollment will likely continue to rise—adding further pressure to limited resources and outdated systems. A structured review process—supported by clear benchmarks, public reporting, and interdepartmental collaboration—would ensure that policies are being followed, funds are spent eff ectively, and FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT EVERETT decisions are based on accurate, current data. By modernizing operations, improving communication between town government and the schools, and holding ourselves accountable to today’s standards, we can build a stronger, more effi cient foundation for Saugus. This change would not only improve coordination and fi scal responsibility but also restore public trust—ensuring that every decision truly refl ects the needs of our residents and the future of our students. Thomas Whittredge, incumbent Saugus School member: He answered “yes” to all three questions. If I could make one change, 1 bedroom, 1 bath furnished room for rent. $275. per week rent. Two week deposit plus 1 week rent required. Call: 617-435-9047 - NO TEXT TRINITY REAL ESTATE Providing Real Estate Services for 18+ Years Servicing Saugus, Melrose, Wakefield, Malden, all North Shore communities, Boston and beyond. Stay current on all industry updates and trends with your most trusted neighborhood real estate resource... 317 Lynn St, Malden Single Family Home List price: $789,900 8 rooms | 3 bedrooms 3 baths | 1,484 square feet Lucia Ponte,REALTOR®: 781.883.8130 24 Parrott Street. Lynn, MA 01902 Two-Family Home List price: $779,900 11 rooms | 6 bedrooms 2.5 bath | 2,565 square feet Michael Foulds, REALTOR®: 617.461.1952 31 1 Street, Unit, Melrose, MA 02176 ST Apartment Rental Rental Price: $2,600 5 rooms | 2 bedrooms 1 baths | 900 square feet Annemarie TorciviaREALTOR® : 7819835266 For a free home market analysis, contact us today. it would be to have a representative from either the Town or the Finance Committee attend our budget meetings. Their presence would provide us with valuable insight into the town’s overall fi scal situation, allowing us to build a more informed and realistic budget — instead of working in the dark without knowing what funding we can reasonably expect.
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