Former Housing Authority Chair John Cannon regains leadership position

 By Mark E. Vogler

John Cannon said he will ascribe to the philosophy of the late U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy as he embraces his leadership role at the Saugus Housing Authority. “Some men see things as they are, and say why. I dream of things that never were, and say why not,” Cannon said, quoting Kennedy in an interview this week as he set his goals for the new year as the authority’s new chair.

Cannon, 72, had presided over the authority previously before losing in a town election race several years ago. But he decided to run again last fall in the election for resident commissioner, who serves a one-year term. He defeated longtime authority member Dottie Bockus in a Nov. 22 election by a 66 percent margin and quickly decided that he wanted to be chair again.

“I lobbied for the chairmanship and I got a unanimous vote,” Cannon said.

Improving the current deficiencies of the authority are his top priority. “The current executive director has said that the Housing Authority has received low performance ratings from the state, and my goal is to correct that,” he said.

Cannon lost an election for a four-year term on the authority back in 2021. He didn’t run two years ago. But after discussions with tenants who asked him to run for the seat, he decided it was time to get back into local public service. “I had a number of residents who asked me to run for the seat,” Cannon said.

They expressed their concerns that they were not happy about the direction the Housing Authority was going,” he added.

Cannon’s goals include strong fiduciary reporting, striving for a better quality of life for the tenants and doing what’s in the best interests of the Housing Authority.

“I’m looking forward to continuing my public housing education,” Cannon said.

“I’m really looking forward to getting involved and correcting the problems of the Housing Authority. I’m glad to be back. I really enjoy the job and helping the tenants,” he said.

“I’m also looking forward to working in my new position as state treasurer of the American Legion Department of Massachusetts,” said the U.S. Navy veteran.

Cannon also serves as a member of the town’s Board of Appeals.