THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, NOVEmbEr 3, 2023 Page 9 ~ Op-Ed ~ Candidate: Who is running to genuinely serve our community? Dear Saugus Residents, The upcoming decision for charter review is yours and regardless if you vote “yes” or “no”, I encourage you to choose candidates who have the best interests of Saugus in mind – individuals who will dedicate themselves to work collaboratively to explore all opportunities for enhancing our government. The way I see it, this endeavor is akin to an audit to identify what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It’s important to remember that no changes will be made without voter approval at the next election in 2025. I have had the privilege of conversing with many of you. While I regret that time constraints prevent me from knocking on every door in our Town, I’m inspired by the common values and aspirations we share as members of this community. I connected with so many residents on my “common sense” approach to update the existing 1947 charter, which has propelled my desire to be involved even more. Our objectives as residents may appear simpler to achieve than other candidates are suggesting, so I urge you to approve the charter review and elect unbiased members. The ultimate question you ASKS | FROM PAGE 3 ed when Samantha was at Ballard School pre-k and I volunteered for the Ballard Bee’s Field Day. I then volunteered for fi ve years at the Veterans Memorial Elementary in the Library. When we went to a three facility School District I assisted in sorting out books from Vets, Waybright, Lynnhurst and Oaklandvale libraries to set up new Pre k-1 at Veterans and 2-5 at Belmonte Steam Academy. When Saugus School District received the 2019 DESE Report and was also placed under State Monitoring for Middle School in 2018 then High School in 2019, I decided to throw my hat in for a run for School Committee. My granddaughter continues to be my Inspiration and drive to serve. As far as why I am best to serve, I believe all 7 candidates are qualifi ed and I would be honored to serve with any 4 of them. I would hope for must answer is: who is running to genuinely serve our community rather than trying to impede any improvement? A current Select Board member recently stated that new people in this election are dangerous. Frankly, I am a newcomer who strongly suggests the opposite is true, and I caution you to look at each candidate’s motivation to root out those who may be fueled by personal reasons or fear. Some may be afraid of losing political power. Some may be anxious about losing their jobs. Some may fear change altogether. Fortunately, we have candidates who aren’t being led by any confl icts of interest, who have only the betterment of our community at heart and will bring that to this Commission. A pair of eyes from a “political outsider” may be exactly what Saugus needs. It’s important to elect members who are open-minded and dedicated to fact-finding, not those willing to pass on an opportunity to improve our community. I am one of these residents and I ask for your vote on November 7th for Charter Commission so Saugus can see progress, instead of staying stagnant. Please visit “Committee to Elect Matthew Parlante” on Facebook to learn more about voters to look at my body of work and commitment to our students and give me one of their 5 votes. Stephanie Lauren Mastrocola: To be a voice of reason for the children and the teachers. To help people better understand what truly goes on in the classroom and fi nd ways to improve it. I have a fourteen-year-old son who has attended the Saugus Public School System since age 6. I have been involved directly with teachers, principals and the Special Ed department. I have seen what goes on in the schools because I was the president of the PTO for fi ve years at the Waybright. I saw what issues the teachers and most of all the students dealt with. I saw the ups and the downs of what worked and what didn’t. I dealt with some of these issues fi rsthand with my son. I will not be afraid to stand up and respectfully go to bat for what is right for all ASKS | SEE PAGE 14 me and my vision for our community. Sincerely, Matthew Parlante Candidate for Charter Commission and Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member RON’S OIL Call For PRICE MELROSE, MA 02176 NEW CUSTOMER’S WELCOME ACCEPTING VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER (781) 397-1930 OR (781) 662-8884 100 GALLON MINIMUM
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