THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, DECEmbEr 30, 2022 ~ The Advocate Asks ~ Page 3 Selectmen and School Committee members pick their top stories for 2022 and discuss their priorities for the new year recreation, commercial development, transportation, and open space. We need to prioritize the elements in this plan ASKS | SEE PAGE 5 10% Off Senior Discount! SNOW BLOWER SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS Pickup/Delivery Available 1039 BROADWAY, REVERE WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM Happy New Year from Saugus: The Saugus Board of Selectmen and Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree gathered around the Christmas tree on the first floor of Saugus Town Hall at the town tree lighting ceremony earlier this month. Sharing their holiday hopes and best wishes to town residents for a Happy New Year, were, pictured from left to right, Selectman Mike Serino, Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano, Selectman Corinne Riley, Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Debra Panetta, Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini and Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Editor’s Note: For this week’s column, we reached out to each of the members of the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee and asked them if they would like to name their top story in Saugus during 2022 and talk about their top priorities for the new year. All five selectmen responded. Two of the five School Committee members participated. Here are their individual responses. Q: What do you consider the top story in Saugus during 2022? Feel free to elaborate. Also, What are your top priorities for the new year? Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano For me the top Saugus story of 2022 was the creation of the Host Community agreement with WIN (Waste Innovations). An agreement that will bring in excess of 30 million dollars to Saugus while lowering the emissions in the process. After years of watching endless court battles where we lose time and time again the Town of Saugus finally has scored a victory with WIN. I believe this is the beginning of great things to come in the future. Having a positive working relationship with WIN will yield long term benefits to Saugus and our surrounding communities. I also think the zoning change that I proposed and 2/3 of the Town Meeting members approved to allow for the sale of recreational Marijuana will bring in millions in new tax revenue to Saugus on a yearly basis. Revenue that we greatly need. As for my top priorities I would like to see Saugus work, and I will lead the charge to change our charter in 2023 and finally become a city. It’s time, our form of government is outdated and In my opinion, we can and should be doing better. If all goes well, we could have a question on the November ballot to change the charter and form a charter commission. Should everything go to plan, we could have our first election for Mayor in 2025, which also goes along with the expiration of the current Managers Contract. I believe the top official in Saugus should be elected by the people and not simply reappointed by 3 members of the Board of Selectmen. I would imagine a Mayoral race in Saugus would be quite interesting.... something I would definitely be interested in. Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Debra Panetta There are a few ‘top’ stories that come to mind in 2022, including the proposed redevelopment of the Kowloon site, the purchasing of properties in Cliftondale Square, and Town Meeting voting to allow recreational marijuana sales in Saugus. However, I think the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) clearly stating that WIN Waste Innovations cannot expand the life of their unlined ash landfill is most significant. I also think the passing of the Northeast Metropolitan Regional School was a top story considering the antiquated condition of the current school as well the financial impact on our community. Question 2: My main priority this year is to do the best job I can representing the Saugus residents. Keeping our Town as a full-service community with longterm sustainability and ensuring our Police and Fire Departments are fully funded is of the utmost importance. My priorities/vision include the following: • We finished the Master Plan in 2022, which is the framework for making informed decisions which will include goals and policies for future land use, including housing, 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut St. We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-8 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday $9.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Adult Night 18+ Only Wednesday Thursday Friday Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Private Parties Private Parties 4-11 p.m. Saturday 12-11 p.m. $9.00 $9.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com
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