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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

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