New Town Meeting Member in Precinct 8

Kristi Talagan fills vacancy after veteran member Thomas Traverse moves to Precinct 1 and resigns from his seat

By Mark E. Vogler

Kristi Talagan, who narrowly missed getting elected to a Precinct 8 Town Meeting seat in the 2023 election, will participate in this year’s Annual Town Meeting when it convenes on Monday (May 5). Town Clerk Ellen Schena last week swore in Talagan to fill a vacancy created after veteran Town Meeting Member Thomas Traverse moved into a new home in Precinct 1. Talagan, who finished with 168 votes – four votes behind Arthur Grabowski for the fifth and final Precinct 8 seat two years ago – will serve the balance of Traverse’s unexpired term. She said she plans to run to retain the seat in the November town elections.

Traverse, who has a decade of collective experience serving in Town Meeting representing Precincts 9 and most recently 8, said he hasn’t decided whether he will run for a seat in Precinct 1.

Talagan issued the following statement to The Saugus Advocate after accepting the position:

“Hi Neighbors,

“My name is Kristi Talagan, and I’m honored to step into the role of Town Meeting Member for Precinct 8 here in Saugus. I was appointed to fill a vacancy after a previous member stepped down. While I’m new to town government, I’m deeply committed to learning, listening, and serving our community with transparency and care.

“A little about me: I grew up in Saugus, went to school here, and still call it home. I’ve spent over 30 years in education and systems analysis—serving as an educator and administrator in Chelsea Public Schools, a professor at Bunker Hill Community College, and a business owner providing state compliance training and consultation.

“I’m passionate about keeping Saugus strong, safe, and welcoming, and I believe good local government begins with good communication. As I grow into this new role, I’d love to hear from residents of Precinct 8. What matters most to you? What would you like your Town Meeting Member to advocate for?

“Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I may not have all the answers, but I promise to ask the right questions and to bring your voice to the table. Let me know if you’d be interested in joining a monthly Zoom meeting to connect, share concerns, and highlight the positives happening in our precinct and town.

“I look forward to meeting many of you and serving Precinct 8 to the best of my ability.

Best,

Kristi Talagan

Town Meeting Member, Precinct 8

kr***********@*****st.net