~ The Advocate Asks ~

Selectmen and School Committee members pick their top stories for 2025 and share their New Year’s wishes for Saugus

  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 pick their top stories in Saugus during 2025, make a New Year’s resolution for the betterment of Saugus and share their wishes with residents. Four of the five selectmen responded. Three of the Five School Committee members responded. Their individual comments follow.

The Questions

1) What do you consider the top story in Saugus during 2025? Feel free to elaborate.

2) If you were able to make one New Year’s Resolution for the Town of Saugus – a goal to make the community better – what would that be?

Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta

1) There were a few stories this year that made the headline. One of the most important for our Town is the continued financial stability that we have in Saugus. Where other communities are asking voters for operational overrides, we have done an excellent job funding our Town budgets. Issues surrounding Route 1 continue to make headlines, especially regarding traffic and new residential development. The Saugus Zip Trip from Boston 25 was a big story for Saugus, which showcased our community and local attractions. The Kowloon celebrating 75 years in Saugus made headlines, where they had a wonderful celebration with some big name bands. The safety issues surrounding e-bikes / scooters has been one of concern among the Board of Selectmen and public. Regarding a ‘goal’ to make our community better, the Board of Selectmen are working with the Schools and the Police Department regarding e-bike safety. We are planning a safety forum early 2026 where we hope that parents will attend with their children. There were also quite a few stories regarding the November elections. I found it difficult to just think of one big headline this year. And, of course, the election this year was the headline for many of your stories.

2) My one wish for all residents is that everyone has a happy and healthy New Year.

Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini

1) I think one of the top stories in Saugus in 2025 pertained to continued movement towards a potential West Side Public Safety building. The feasibility study was completed and the town, working with consultants, identified properties that would meet the key criteria for a station to be constructed as outlined in the feasibility study. The next step is to determine the estimated cost to construct the facility as well as the cost of the fire apparatus needed at the location. The town needs to have a thorough community education process to let the community be fully apprised of the cost/benefit of having this station. Every taxpayer should be able to identify the exact impact the investment would have on their taxes. This includes the impact of the debt exclusion for the construction of the building and purchase of the apparatus (which will be over a period of years until paid off) and then the override portion that will pay for the additional firefighters to man the station (this will be a permanent tax impact). No one wants taxes to increase however we need to educate everyone on the many benefits this additional location will have for all of Saugus, not just the West side. It will then be up to the residents to decide if it finally becomes a reality.

2) My new year’s resolution for Saugus would be for everyone to have a healthy, safe and prosperous 2026. Although I know I am expecting the impossible, I would love to see less social media banter and criticisms directed toward others and instead see our community come together to work on constructive, effective solutions to address the issues facing our community. Community input is a powerful and effective way to promote buy in and to successfully address most any issue. It is a lot easier to reach the destination effectively and efficiently when we are all rowing in the same direction.

Selectman Frank Federico

1) In my view, the most important story in Saugus in 2025 was the number of new individuals elected to town government. This election cycle reflected a clear desire among residents for meaningful change and greater civic engagement. Voters sent a strong message that Saugus is ready to welcome new ideas, fresh perspectives, and a broader range of voices at the decision making table. That kind of participation is healthy for any community and speaks to a shared belief that our town can continue to grow and improve. With new leadership comes renewed energy, thoughtful debate, and the opportunity to collaborate in ways that strengthen our community. I believe these changes position Saugus well for the future and will help make it an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

2) If I could make one New Year’s resolution for Saugus, it would be a renewed commitment to collaboration. Working together across boards, committees, and viewpoints is essential to moving our town forward. I would love to see everyone turn the page on past politics and focus instead on the future of Saugus. When we emphasize cooperation over division, we create space for better ideas, stronger decisions, and real progress. Saugus has an opportunity to build on its momentum, and by working together with respect and purpose, we can continue to make our community an even better place for residents today and for generations to come.

Selectman Mike Serino

1) In my opinion, I do not feel there was one significant issue that stood out like in 2023 with the charter proposal, however, I do believe there were several top stories in 2025. The town’s fiscal stability is one. Compared to several other communities which are experiencing job layoffs, Saugus is experiencing fiscal stability due to the fiscal management policies that have been adopted and followed by the Manager, Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and our Town Meeting Members whose responsibility it is to vote the funding for both budgets, Town and School side of government. The second issue is public safety. I have heard many complaints from residents regarding traffic, trucking, rail-trail crossings and e-bikes. The town has installed flashing lights at street crossings along the rail-trail and in the Cliftondale square area. Unfortunately, I have observed many people not even using the flashing lights and just dashing out into the street, trying to cross. However, I believe more needs to be done regarding public safety in town. I am looking forward to our forum in the first of the year.

2) My resolution for the Town of Saugus would be to continue to be a hardworking Selectman that does his homework, makes common sense decisions, fights to protect our neighborhoods and overbuilding, respects everybody’s opinion and, when needed, promote zoning and by-law changes with the intent to improve the quality of life in our community. I want to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.

School Committee Vice Chair Stephanie Mastrocola

1) I know this seems like a strange answer, but I actually don’t have a top story for 2025. There have been many wonderful things that have taken place, and I am not denying that. Academic achievements, sports teams and cheerleaders making memories, food and coat drives that have been successful this year in helping many people. I think what we forget about are the small things that go on, on a daily basis. The conversations we have with people that are struggling missing a loved one. The hopefulness we have and bring to each other when sometimes this world seems impossible to get through. You don’t realize how smiling at someone when you walk by can change a person’s mood. Differences of opinions doesn’t have to change how we view a person as a whole. Everyday actions that bring happiness make a year full of memories better to reflect on. Will it ever be perfect? Probably not. Take pride in Saugus and where you live. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Happy Holidays!

2) Community gatherings where honest, not angry conversations can happen. Where ideas can come to life and be executed without being criticized and have their own agenda. Put yourself out there for your community and young families growing up in this town. Let’s make a yearly plan with events going on all year. It doesn’t always take money to make something fun and build connections. Let the kids organize events and use their creativity. They are the future and so many of them have so much to display! That would be my New Year’s goal. I will be working on that for sure!

School Committee Member Brian Doherty

1) In 2025, the top story in Saugus in my opinion was the amount of parents who stepped up to get involved in politics. Politics can be tough and I’m the first to admit I’m not a politician. I just want to see our town thrive and the foundation of a great town are great schools.

2) My New Year’s resolution for the town is to create an understanding of the schools’ needs while ensuring that we are efficiently spending within our current budget. The beginning of this year will be a fact finding mission and the second half of the year will be implementation. You have to walk before you run. We have a great committee this year and I’m confident that we will make a positive impact on the schools and our town.

School Committee Member Joseph “Dennis Gould”

1) I believe one of the major stories in 2025 was the safe operation of E Bikes, E Scooters and manual bikes. Since I go to MSHS twice a day to drop off and pick up a student, I see the operation of these and feel it is time to come up with a by law and/or traffic laws that can be enforced. The students who perform wheelies on both e bikes and manual bikes in the middle of the streets and rail trail, weaving in and out of traffic and not adhering to traffic signs, are not only jeopardizing their safety, but the safety of others. I am in favor of a collaboration between Selectmen, School District and Safety Departments to authorize appropriate bylaws governing the proper use of e bikes, e scooters and also manual bike usage that also includes enforceable repercussions if ignored.

2) My New Year’s resolution is to work more collaboratively with the Town to assure our School District has the appropriate funding to give “all” of our students the education they deserve. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.