Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – WEDnESDAy, DECEmbEr 24, 2025 ASKS| FROM PAGE 7 er to reach the destination effectively and efficiently when we are all rowing in the same direction. Selectman Frank Federico 1) In my view, the most important story in Saugus in 2025 was the number of new individuals elected to town government. This election cycle reflected a clear desire among residents for meaningful change and greater civic engagement. Voters sent a strong message that Saugus is ready to welcome new ideas, fresh perspectives, and a broader range of voices at the decision making table. That kind of participation is healthy for any community and speaks to a shared belief that our town can continue to grow and improve. With new leadership comes renewed energy, thoughtful debate, and the opportunity to collaborate in ways that strengthen our community. I believe these changes position Saugus well for the future and will help make it an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. 2) If I could make one New Year’s resolution for Saugus, it would be a renewed commitment to collaboration. Working together across boards, committees, and viewpoints is essential to moving our town forward. I would love to see everyone turn the page on past politics and focus instead on the future of Saugus. When we emphasize cooperation over division, we create space for better ideas, stronger decisions, and real progress. Saugus has an opportunity to build on its momentum, and by working together with respect and purpose, we can continue to make our community an even better place for residents today and for generations to come. Selectman Mike Serino 1) In my opinion, I do not feel there was one significant issue Saugus in my opinion was the amount of parents who stepped up to get involved in politics. Politics can be tough and I’m the first to admit I’m not a politician. I just want to see our town thrive and the foundation of a great town are great schools. 2) My New Year’s resolution THE NEW SCHOOL COMMITTEE: Left to right: Joseph “Dennis” Gould, Vice Chair Stephanie Mastrocola, Chair Thomas Whittredge and Committee members Shannon McCarthy and Brian Doherty were sworn in last month (Nov. 6) by Town Clerk Ellen Schena. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) that stood out like in 2023 with the charter proposal, however, I do believe there were several top stories in 2025. The town’s fiscal stability is one. Compared to several other communities which are experiencing job layoffs, Saugus is experiencing fiscal stability due to the fiscal management policies that have been adopted and followed by the Manager, Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and our Town Meeting Members whose responsibility it is to vote the funding for both budgets, Town and School side of government. The second issue is public safety. I have heard many complaints from residents regarding traffic, trucking, railtrail crossings and e-bikes. The town has installed flashing lights at street crossings along the rail-trail and in the Cliftondale square area. Unfortunately, I have observed many people not even using the flashing lights and just dashing out into the street, trying to cross. However, I believe more needs to be done regarding public safety in town. I am looking forward to our forum in the first of the year. 2) My resolution for the Town of Saugus would be to continue TOP EDUCATOR| FROM PAGE 4 If you were able to make one New Year’s Resolution for the Town of Saugus – a goal to make the community better – what would that be? If I could make one New Year’s resolution for the Saugus Public Schools, it would be to continue strengthening the connection between our schools and the broader community so that every student feels supported, valued, and seen. to be a hardworking Selectman that does his homework, makes common sense decisions, fights to protect our neighborhoods and overbuilding, respects everybody’s opinion and, when needed, promote zoning and by-law changes with the intent to improve the quality of life in our community. I want to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. School Committee Vice Chair Stephanie Mastrocola 1) I know this seems like a strange answer, but I actually don’t have a top story for 2025. There have been many wonderful things that have taken place, and I am not denying that. Academic achievements, sports teams and cheerleaders making memories, food and coat drives that have been successful this year in helping many people. I think what we forget about are the small things that go on, on a daily basis. The conversations we have with people that are struggling missing a loved one. The hopefulness we have and bring to each other when sometimes this world seems impossible to get through. You don’t realize how Schools do their best work when families, educators, students, and community partners are truly working together. In the year ahead, my goal would be to deepen communication, expand meaningful partnerships, and create more opportunities for famsmiling at someone when you walk by can change a person’s mood. Differences of opinions doesn’t have to change how we view a person as a whole. Everyday actions that bring happiness make a year full of memories better to reflect on. Will it ever be perfect? Probably not. Take pride in Saugus and where you live. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Happy Holidays! 2) Community gatherings where honest, not angry conversations can happen. Where ideas can come to life and be executed without being criticized and have their own agenda. Put yourself out there for your community and young families growing up in this town. Let’s make a yearly plan with events going on all year. It doesn’t always take money to make something fun and build connections. Let the kids organize events and use their creativity. They are the future and so many of them have so much to display! That would be my New Year’s goal. I will be working on that for sure! School Committee Member Brian Doherty 1) In 2025, the top story in ilies and community members to be actively engaged in school life. When students see their community invested in their success; academically, socially, and emotionally, it reinforces a sense of belonging and pride that extends well beyond the classroom. for the town is to create an understanding of the schools’ needs while ensuring that we are efficiently spending within our current budget. The beginning of this year will be a fact finding mission and the second half of the year will be implementation. You have to walk before you run. We have a great committee this year and I’m confident that we will make a positive impact on the schools and our town. School Committee Member Joseph “Dennis Gould” 1) I believe one of the major stories in 2025 was the safe operation of E Bikes, E Scooters and manual bikes. Since I go to MSHS twice a day to drop off and pick up a student, I see the operation of these and feel it is time to come up with a by law and/or traffic laws that can be enforced. The students who perform wheelies on both e bikes and manual bikes in the middle of the streets and rail trail, weaving in and out of traffic and not adhering to traffic signs, are not only jeopardizing their safety, but the safety of others. I am in favor of a collaboration between Selectmen, School District and Safety Departments to authorize appropriate bylaws governing the proper use of e bikes, e scooters and also manual bike usage that also includes enforceable repercussions if ignored. 2) My New Year’s resolution is to work more collaboratively with the Town to assure our School District has the appropriate funding to give “all” of our students the education they deserve. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. By fostering strong relationships, maintaining high expectations, and keeping students at the center of every decision, we can continue building a school system that not only educates, but strengthens the entire Saugus community.
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