Town Election 2025 – Nine candidates explain why they are best qualified to serve on the next Saugus Board of Selectmen

  (Editor’s Note: In the first of a four-part series leading into the Nov. 4 Town Election, we asked each of the Board of Selectmen candidates the following question: What part of your background or past experience best qualifies you to be one of the five members on the next Saugus Board of Selectmen? Summarize in 300 words or less the chief assets you possess that set you apart from the other candidates. Here are the responses from the candidates who will be on the ballot seeking a two-year term in one of the five seats. We have listed the candidates alphabetically.)

 

Jeffrey Cicolini, incumbent Saugus selectman:

Being a member of the Board of Selectmen is an awesome responsibility and requires sound business and financial knowledge. As chief policy makers, licensing board and traffic commissioners it is important to have a well-rounded skill set that allows you to fully understand the various matters that present themselves.

Being a Certified Public Accountant and Partner at my firm, AAFCPAs, along with my roles as Treasurer and Chair of Audit and Finance Committee at Salem State University Foundation provide me with unmatched real world business experience. I have been at my firm for 31 years and have been a partner/owner for 20 years. I am also the firm’s Treasurer and member of the executive board. In addition to working with many of the firm’s largest, most complex clients, I am also involved in our financial and strategic planning while overseeing 400 employees.

I am able to apply my 10+ years of practical experience serving on the Board of Selectmen and my strong business acumen in every decision. It is critical to be able to make a decision that is in the best interest of the town as a whole. It is common for people to allow their feelings to blur the view of the big picture. I have learned how to avoid such pitfalls over my 30+ years of experience.

People who know me are well aware that every vote I take is in the best interest of Saugus and that will never change.

The town is on very solid financial footing but is also facing several significant financial obligations with the new Voke school bill coming due and the planned West side fire station. Having an experienced financial executive on the board to explore all options to lessen the impact on our residents is an asset for Saugus.

 

Anthony Cogliano, incumbent Saugus selectman:

Nobody loves this town more than I do — and I think it shows. I was first elected to the Select Board in 1991 and proudly served for ten years. I was here when the 1990s brought growth and opportunity, and when the dot-com bubble burst in the early 2000s and forced us to make tough decisions. After that, I stepped away to focus on what matters most — my family. My wife, Therese, and I raised our four wonderful children, Cassandra, Gabriela, Sophia, and Anthony Jr. Today, our granddaughters, Luciana and Leila Cross, are sixth-generation Saugonians. That legacy keeps me grounded and reminds me why this work matters.

When I returned to the Select Board in 2019, it was because Saugus needed steady leadership. I was here when COVID struck and our community faced a once-in-a-generation challenge. I’ve stayed through the recovery — navigating rising costs, inflation, and fiscal uncertainty — always keeping our seniors, our veterans, our working families, and children in mind.

Now, as I enter my final years of service, I do so with immense gratitude and pride. Having led through both prosperity and hardship, I know what it takes to keep our town moving forward. My years in both public service and the private sector have taught me how to ask the right questions, set clear priorities, and make practical decisions that respect every taxpayer dollar.

Serving Saugus has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I’ve given my time, my energy, and my heart because I believe in this town — its people, its promise, and its future. As I close this chapter, I remain committed, as always, to one thing above all: Saugus.

 

Jennifer D’Eon, a former Saugus selectman:

I offer a strong blend of professional expertise, civic involvement, and personal commitment to the Saugus community—qualities that make me a dedicated candidate for the Board of Selectmen. My work experience includes over two decades in healthcare as a patient access representative. My current role is at the Department of Transportation Security and Emergency Management Department. I have cultivated essential skills in communication, empathy, and public service. As a working mother, I understand the everyday concerns facing families and believe deeply in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change.

I have experience on several Town Boards and committees. I currently serve on the Saugus Board of Assessors. My past experiences include being a former member of The Board of Selectmen, The High School Building Committee, Economic Development Committee, Aggregate Closure Committee, and Parks and Playgrounds Committee. This experience reflects my commitment to enhancing Saugus’s infrastructure, educational resources, and recreational spaces. I’ve also contributed to SAVE (Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment) and the Saugus 200th Anniversary Committee, underscoring my dedication to environmental stewardship and preserving our town’s rich heritage.

As a longtime Cliftondale resident, I have a personal stake in the town’s future. My priorities include strategic planning for public safety, infrastructure improvements, and community development. I also advocate for attracting new businesses through thoughtful rezoning to strengthen our local economy and expand revenue opportunities.

 

Frank Federico, a Precinct 7 Town Meeting member:

As a Saugus resident and small business owner, I understand both the challenges and opportunities our town faces. I started FVF Renovations when I was 25, and 11 years later, I’m proud that it’s still going strong. Running my own contracting business has taught me how to plan carefully, work within a budget, and deliver results people can count on, all while adapting to the unexpected. Those same skills are what good town leadership requires.

Over the past two years as a Town Meeting Member, I’ve seen how local government works and how its decisions shape everyday life in Saugus. Serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals has shown me how complicated town processes can be for residents and small business owners alike. I’m out in the community every day, on job sites, at youth sports, in local shops, and around town, and I hear a consistent message: people want a town government that’s responsive, respectful, and reliable.

I’m running for Selectman because I care deeply about where Saugus is headed. We can be more efficient, more transparent, and more responsive, without losing what makes this community special. I respect what’s working and the people who make it work, but I’m also ready to challenge what’s outdated so we can keep moving forward together.

What sets me apart is my hands-on approach and commitment to doing the work the right way. I listen carefully, act with fairness, and follow through on what I say I’ll do. I’ll bring honesty, energy, and common sense to the Board of Selectmen, and I’ll always keep the people of Saugus at the center of every decision.

 

Stacey Herman-Dorant, a Precinct 1 Town Meeting member:

With a strong background in higher education leadership and experience working in large, complex organizations, I believe I am well-qualified to serve on the Board of Selectmen.

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration. I currently serve as Assistant Dean at Boston University’s College of Engineering and have held senior administrative positions at Ohio State University, Tufts, and Harvard. These roles have given me deep experience in leadership, problem-solving, consensus-building, and managing multi-million budgets.

Throughout my career, I’ve successfully led large teams, developed and implemented policies, and collaborated with stakeholders to achieve shared goals. I’ve worked with people from many backgrounds and with differing opinions—always listening with respect, finding common ground, and building consensus to move initiatives forward.

My experience includes:

• Managing complex budgets and preparing financial reports
• Leading strategic planning efforts and policy development
• Writing and securing state and federal grant proposals
• Working collaboratively with individuals holding different viewpoints to achieve common goals

I have experience in Saugus leadership roles, currently serving as a Town Meeting Member with perfect attendance and voting record and serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals. I’ve also served on the Affordable Housing Trust and am an active member of several local organizations, including the Saugus Garden Club, SAVE, Bike to the Sea, and the Saugus River Watershed Council.

I am resourceful, detail-oriented, and known for quickly learning new systems and tackling unfamiliar issues. My professional experience has prepared me to navigate the complexities of town government, and I am eager to apply those skills in service to the people of Saugus.

I care deeply about the future of our town. I want to ensure smart planning, financial responsibility, and strong communication between residents and town leadership. I would consider it an honor to bring my experience, collaborative mindset, and passion for Saugus to the Board of Selectmen.

 

Debra Panetta, an incumbent Saugus selectman and the board’s chair:

For the last 14 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Saugus Board of Selectmen, seven as Chairman and two as Vice Chairman. During that time, I’ve worked every day to make our town stronger, safer, and more vibrant. I’ve also served as the Chairman of the Saugus School Committee and 10-years as a Town Meeting member.

I hold a BSBA in Accounting from Suffolk University, an MBA from Northeastern University, and certifications in Lean Six Sigma and Project Management (PMP). With 40 years of experience in accounting, finance, auditing, and real estate, I bring a deep understanding of budgets, contracts, and operations. This expertise allows me to make informed, strategic decisions that protect taxpayer dollars and deliver positive results.

Since being in office, Saugus achieved and maintained an AA+ stable bond rating, a reflection of sound fiscal management, long-term planning, and accountability. That financial strength allows us to invest wisely in our schools, infrastructure, and public safety—without placing unnecessary burdens on taxpayers.

Beyond fiscal leadership, I’ve been deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life in town. I helped champion the revitalization of parks and playgrounds, rail/bike trail, and the building of the Middle/High School. I’ve advocated for open space, cleaner air, and sustainable growth because I want Saugus to remain a town where families thrive.

I’m proud to serve as President of the Saugus River Watershed Council and to be an active member of SAVE, Historical Society, Garden Club, Saugus Business Education Collaborative, and several other civic organizations dedicated to our town’s growth and preservation.

Saugus has made tremendous progress, and I have the experience, the vision, and the heart to keep us moving forward. My record speaks for itself: strong finances, responsible planning, environmental stewardship, and a genuine dedication to the people I serve.

 

Michael Serino, an incumbent Saugus selectman:

I feel that my past experience in town government best qualifies me to be one of the five members on the next Board of Selectmen. My public service record includes: Town Meeting Member 16 years, Conservation Commission 6 years and Chairman of the Board of Assessors for 5 years. I am currently finishing up my sixteenth year as a member of the Board of Selectmen. Moreover, I have served on many Town committees.

I believe that my overwhelming experience is one of the chief assets that set me apart from other candidates. I believe that my experience, leadership skills, and the ability to form working relationships with people have led to many legislative accomplishments at Town Meeting. I was the main author of several Charter changes in 2011 and 2013, which has provided stability and checks and balances in town government. Recently, I authored zoning changes, along Route One, that would reduce apartments by 50%, and the height of buildings from 90 ft to 60 ft. Moreover, I authored zoning changes that would increase commercial development and buffer zone setbacks abutting residential property. These articles passed Town Meeting (38-6). We should always strive for good development, which will not impact our neighborhoods.

 

Vincent Serino, the current School Committee chair:

As a lifelong resident of Saugus, I’ve had the privilege of growing up here, raising a family here, and watching our community evolve. My deep roots in Saugus give me a strong understanding of our town’s past and a clear vision for its future.

My wife, raised in Natick and now a teacher, offers me a valuable perspective on how other communities operate. Through her work, she hears directly from parents and caregivers about issues that matter most to families. Our four children all attended and graduated from Saugus Public Schools, and have gone on to earn college degrees and launch successful careers. Coaching their youth sports teams gave me firsthand insight into the community — what’s changed over the years, what’s worked well, and what still needs attention.

I bring six years of experience serving on the School Committee, including four as Chairman. I’m well-versed in municipal budgeting and the role of Massachusetts General Law in town governance. My time in office has taught me the importance of collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and long-term planning. In addition to public service, I’ve run my own business in another community, giving me a broader understanding of how different towns operate and how we can apply best practices here in Saugus. I hold a degree in History and a minor in Business, which helps me approach problems analytically and practically.

What sets me apart is my ability to remain open-minded and solutions focused. I evaluate every issue by asking what best serves our residents, employees, and future. I am an independent thinker who is not influenced by personal agendas or politics — only by what’s right for our town. Now more than ever, we need to come together as a community. It’s time to put aside our differences and work collaboratively to strengthen every corner of Saugus — from education and public safety to supporting our local businesses. The time to act is now.

 

Sandro Pansini Souza, former candidate for Selectman

What qualifies me to serve on the next Saugus Board of Selectmen is a combination of leadership, business experience, and community involvement rooted in both service and accountability.

As the Treasurer and Board Member of Saugus Community Television, I’ve worked to increase transparency, protect public resources, and strengthen partnerships with the Town. Founder and CEO of Beyond Financing, Inc., a licensed multi-state mortgage lender serving families and businesses across several states. — I’ve led a diverse team, managed complex budgets, and built relationships across cultures and communities. Those same skills — listening, problem-solving, and fiscal discipline — are what Saugus needs to strike a balance between progress and responsibility.

As an immigrant who made Saugus my home, I understand the dreams and struggles of families from every background. Being fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish allows me to connect directly with residents who too often feel left out of the conversation. My mission is to ensure that every voice in Saugus is heard and respected — whether it’s a small business owner, a senior on a fixed income, or a new family building their future here. I speak their language, I share their values, and I will represent all of us in Saugus.

I believe in practical leadership: safer neighborhoods, responsible spending, and open communication between citizens and town government. I’m not running to talk politics — I’m running to deliver results, bring unity, and represent the full diversity of our community.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve and to share my vision for a stronger, more connected Saugus.

Warm regards,

Sandro Pansini Souza

Candidate for Saugus Board of Selectmen (#3 on the ballot)