Countdown Till Saugus Town Meeting

Editor’s Note: The 2025 Annual Town Meeting convenes on Monday, May 5. As a special service to our readers and the registered voters of Saugus, we are reaching out to all 50 Town Meeting members, focusing on one precinct each week, in the weeks leading up to the start of Town Meeting, asking members about their expectations for the upcoming Town Meeting. This week, we received responses from three of the five Town Meeting Members in Precinct 4. For next week’s newspaper, we will reach out to the five Town Meeting Members from Precinct 5. The 2025 Annual Town Meeting convenes six weeks from Monday.

Question One: What do you consider the top priority for the town as you prepare for the opening of the 2025 Town Meeting session?

Glen R. Davis: The hot button issues in Town are a third fire station and the continued improvement of our parks and playgrounds. We are getting closer to the third fire station becoming a reality which will be great news for every citizen in the town. Each year, money is allocated at Town Meeting to make the green spaces the best that they can be. Every time I drive by Anna Parker I can see so many people enjoying these new benefits which promote healthy activity for all.

Stephanie M. Shalkoski: As we prepare for the 2025 Town Meeting, our top priority is to maintain the Town’s AA+/stable bond rating while continuing to invest in education, parks, roads, and public safety. At the same time, we must carefully balance the need for housing and development. I look forward to hearing the report from the Town Meeting Ash Landfill Closure Committee and ensuring we protect our community’s long-term well-being.

Together, Town Meeting Members play a vital role in ensuring that Saugus residents remain proud to call this community home for years to come.

Maureen Whitcomb: I am committed to keeping Saugus moving forward by ensuring responsible budgeting and the timely passage of budgets. It is essential to attract and support families choosing to make Saugus their home. Additionally, reviewing and revising the town charter is necessary to promote growth and progress.

Question Two: What do you consider the top priority for residents in your precinct (Precinct 4) as you prepare for the opening of the 2025 Town Meeting session?

Glen R. Davis: Road safety is one of the biggest concerns in my precinct. We’ve been able to post digital speed limit signs in the area which for some is a deterrent, but for others seems to be a method to clock how faster they can go. We need more solutions to solve this problem. I would support adding more of a police presence which would help in slowing people down.

Another road safety issue is the number of commercial trucks that pass through the precinct. There are many tri axle trucks along with fuel tankers that are cutting through our neighborhood. We need to regulate this better, and I will investigate ways to do this.

Stephanie M. Shalkoski: Neighbors in Precinct Four are concerned about the proposed 40B housing development. While neighbors are committed to ensuring the Town remains affordable and complies with state law, they are also worried about the loss of open space, as well as the impact new housing could have on services and education.

I encourage residents in Precinct Four to please share their concerns, ideas, and priorities with me. I am eager to listen and represent your views at Town Meeting. Please feel free to email me, and we can set up a call at your convenience: st*****************@gm***.com

Maureen Whitcomb: The intersection at Vine St. and Essex St. is a hazardous area with frequent accidents, and it’s clear that safety improvements are needed. I would like to explore potential solutions to make it safer for drivers and pedestrians. Additionally, I am interested in learning more about the future plans for Simon Mall and what developments may be on the horizon.

Question Three: Are you working independently or in collaboration with other members on articles to be introduced for this year’s Town Meeting? Could you please elaborate? Summarize your article and what you hope to accomplish.

Glen R. Davis: I am not working with anyone to introduce any articles at Town Meeting.

Stephanie M. Shalkoski: I am in regular communication with Town Meeting members about issues facing our Town but not currently working on any articles.

Maureen Whitcomb: I have not been working with anyone on articles; however, I stay in touch with other Town Meeting members to discuss various happenings in town and matters related to Town Meeting.

  Question Four: Please feel free to share any other views about the upcoming Town Meeting.

Glen R. Davis: I’m looking forward to another informative town meeting. We should be receiving our budget packets with recommendation from the Finance Committee and other boards. I always spend a good amount of time reviewing each line item and understanding how money is allocated every year.

Stephanie M. Shalkoski: I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Town Meeting Member for Precinct Four, and I have great respect for my fellow Town Meeting members, as well as the many dedicated volunteers who serve on committees and boards that help advance the business of our Town. Last year was my first Town Meeting, and I gained valuable insight into the extensive work done behind the scenes to prepare. I look forward to attending more committee meetings and continuing to volunteer at events around Town to stay informed and connect directly with residents.

Maureen Whitcomb: I am looking forward to the new dog park, as I know there is a lot of community interest in it. I would also like to see a charter review team or board established to evaluate potential updates. Additionally, I encourage all Town Meeting members to attend regularly, as we consistently have a few who do not participate each year.