Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, November 1, 2019 ~ Political Announcement ~ Debra Panetta announces her candidacy for re-election to the Board of Selectmen D ebra Panetta of 1 Bellevue Street announces her candidacy for re-election to the Board of Selectmen. “I am grateful to the voters of Saugus and the four Selectmen for electing me as their Chairman,” Panetta states. “I would like to thank the Saugus Advocate for allowing me this opportunity to share with its readers my background, experience, and vision for Saugus.” Panetta lives with her husband, Mark, her son, Mark Jr. and her daughter, Sabrina. Mark Jr. is a Graduate Student at Tufts University, and Sabrina is in her junior year at the University of Maine. Panetta is a graduate from Suffolk University where she earned a BSBA in Accounting, and she also holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Northeastern University. She also attended project management training at William George Associates where she earned her Lean Six Sigma Certification as well as her PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification. Panetta works for Victoria Realty as a Site Manager / Finance Director. She has over 30 years of accounting, finance, auditing, and real estate experience. Panetta has served as a Saugus Selectman for the past eight years, where she has served as the Chairman for the last 4 years. She also serves as the President of the Saugus River Watershed Council, past President and member of the Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE), and as a member of the Historical Society, Friends of Breakheart and the Garden Club. She is also a member of the Saugus Chamber of Commerce and the Saugus Business Education Collaborative. She is a member of the Conservation Law Foundation and has (again) been endorsed by the Sierra Club. Panetta has received the Distinguished Toastmaster status, received the Triple Crown Award, and has received the Division ASKS | FROM PAGE 13 nior housing needs to be updated and expanded to fill the growing needs for future generations. Possibilities will be arising. I would like to be part of it. Housing Authority Chair John Cannon: Working diligently for a good quality of life for the SHA tenants. Stephen M. Horlick: The most important issue Saugus Housing Authority is facing over the next two years and beyond – More Housing Units. Governor of the year award. She has also been named a Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achiever due to her many esteemed years of professional accomplishments. Panetta is the recipient of the 2019 John O’Conner Grassroots Leadership Award from Clean Water Action. She also received an award from the Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment in June 2018 for her commitment to the environment. Previously, Panetta served as the Chairman of the Saugus School Committee, a five-term Town Meeting Member representing Precinct 5, Vice-Chair of the Saugus Charter Commission, 12-year member of the Tree Committee, member of the 200th Anniversary of the Incorporation of Saugus Committee, past District Governor of District 31 Toastmasters, as well as many other organizations and committees in Saugus. “Giving back to the community through volunteering and participating in community events is something that my family and I strongly believe in,” says Panetta. As Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Panetta has conducted the meetings with courtesy, dignity, and respect, not only with her colleagues, but for all those that appear before the Board. “We continue to have two public comment agenda items, one at the beginning of our meeting and one at the end, so that we can hear the concerns of the public. Our meetings are televised, and our minutes are voted on in a timely fashion and posted online,” says Panetta. Since originally taking office, Panetta has been involved in many initiatives and programs, including: • An increase in our bond rating to AA+ by S&P, highest in Saugus history, due to our strong economy and budget performance, which has already saved taxpayers in its most recent borrowing, When the new Middle/High School, Belmonte and Veterans School renovations are completed Saugus will have 5 schools and 1 public building vacant. We should look at which buildings by location with adequate parking are best suited for Senior Housing. Working with board members and the state to secure the necessary funding this is a goal that can be accomplished. James A. Tozza did not respond to several email requests for comment. $3.5 million due to the Town’s strong financial standing each year in office, • Infrastructure improvements, including roads, bridges, sidewalks, and drainage, • Water and sewer improvements, • Investments in new police cruisers, building maintenance equipment, and DPW trucks/ equipment, • Completion of the Belmonte Middle School renovation, • A new state of the art financial accounting system, • Designation of Saugus beINCUMBENT CANDIDATE: Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta seeks another two years on the board. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate) •Approval by MSBA and award of up to $65.1M for new Middle-High School – with voter approval district-wide of over 70% (targeted completion date of Summer 2020) • Rebuilding of our parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities (Bucchiere/Bristow Park, Veterans School playground, Belmonte Middle School, Round Hill, Evans Park, Stackpole Field) • Accepted as a designated green community, which has saved residents almost $840,000 while helping the environment, • A record amount of funds put into the stabilization fund (almost $10 Million), • A comprehensive Townwide speed limit analysis was completed to address and improve driver, pedestrian, and bicyclists safety, • Supported new fire engine which replaced a 22-year old engine, • An increase in grant funding for public safety and recreation, • Supported hiring new police, fire, and public safety personal for a safer Saugus, which included securing grant funding in excess of $3 million. • Instituting the first CHARM center which was opened for hard to recycle items, • Ensuring balanced budgets coming a Purple Heart Community, • Continued prioritization of open space and recreation, • Road and sidewalk improvements (including major sections of Lincoln Avenue), • Supporting solar landfill project, bringing in $80K/year, • Completion of the rail / bike trail where The Northern Strand Community Trail will be making improvements on our Town’s 2.5-mile portion with a grant from the Baker-Polito Administration • Creating financial management policies that eliminated structural deficit budget practices. Vision for the Next Two Years With a sound financial foundation, Panetta believes that Saugus can continue looking towards the future with optimism and progress. That is why over the next two years, she wants to see: • Completion of the Townwide master plan, which was recently funded by Town Meeting. With all the new development in Saugus, especially along Route 1, it is imperative that we have a strategy that deals with the future growth of our town while protecting our neighborhoods and environmental resources. This plan will be the framework for making informed decisions which will include goals and policies for future land use, including housing, recreation, commercial development, transportation, and open space. • Additional increases in our reserve funds and continue improvement of our bond rating, • Continue with the Traffic Study where we are in Phase 2 of this project, • A grand opening of our new middle-high school in the Summer of 2020, • Continued growth in public confidence in town government, • Additional opportunities to supplement Town services by supporting community objectives relating to community safety, infrastructure, and transportation, • A focus on the environment, especially dealing with any expansion plans by Wheelabrator or air emission waivers, • Making betterments to the rail trail (with grant funding), and • Having open discussions with the public on what they would like to see done with the schools that will be going off-line. “I am honored to have served as your Selectman for the last 8 years. I believe I have conducted myself with dignity and professionalism with the office you have entrusted me with,” Panetta states. Panetta is running for reelection because she believes that Saugus is well-positioned to leverage from the financial foundation now in place. “I am sincerely thankful to the voters who have supported me over the years. I would like to work towards continuing the progress that our town has made for the betterment of residents and business owners,” “I respectfully request that you cast one of your five votes on Tuesday, November 5th for me, Debra Panetta. I am #2 on the ballot,” said Panetta. To contact Panetta , please call her at (781-233-9720) or email her at Panetta cpanetta@ gmail.com. Thank you for your consideration! Glen Davis seeks Town Meeting Precinct 4 seat M y name is Glen Davis and I’m running for a seat on Town Meeting representing Precinct Four. I’m a lifelong Saugus resident as I currently reside at 220 Essex St. I am passionate about our community and want to do my part in making a difference. Most people have seen me around town involved in our tremendous town run programs/events such as youth basketball, Founders Day, and the Tree Lighting. I’m invested in the community: • Current Member of Saugus Youth & Recreation Committee – 16 years. • Current Director of Saugus Town Team Basketball – 7 years. • Past President of Saugus Babe Ruth – 12 years. • Certified USA/MIAA/NCAA Softball Umpire – 8 years • I’ve raised my three children in Saugus with my wife Laurie and look forward to my grandchildren growing up in the town we call home. I hope to serve Saugus the way my grandfather did when he was a town meeting member for many years. I’m always available for you at gdavis@bu.edu or 781-3072863.
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