Countdown Till Saugus Town Meeting

  Editor’s Note: The 2026 Annual Town Meeting convenes on Monday, May 4. 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 two 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 2026 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 2026 Town Meeting session?

Glen R. Davis: The budget is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Where is the money going and where is it coming from are questions that are constantly asked. We are in tremendous financial shape and have managed our resources effectively. While it is easy to point to revenue streams that are a one-time source or come from an agreement that adversely impacts our community, we need to tighten our belts internally just like we all do with our own household income. I encourage everyone to watch or attend the Finance Committee meetings to understand the work done to come up with the finalized budget.

Stephanie M. Shalkoski: Maintaining the Town’s AA+ bond rating while continuing to invest in core services is my top priority heading into the 2026 Town Meeting. This includes funding for education, public safety, parks and recreational spaces, infrastructure such as roads and sidewalks, and critical water and sewer improvements.

Municipal budgets are increasingly tight, and there are always more needs than available resources. I appreciate the Finance Committee’s careful review of spending requests ahead of Town Meeting to help ensure we are making responsible, sustainable decisions.

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

Glen R. Davis: The proposed 40B housing development at the old Weylu’s property has been a topic I’ve discussed with residents. In January at the Board of Appeals Meeting, a presentation was made to construct apartments at this site. The board denied the request based on the town having met the low-income housing requirements. This was great news, but I don’t think we’ve heard the last of this as part of the property is in Revere. The main point that was stressed at the meeting by the residents was the use of side streets to access the property. Opening them up to this traffic would be detrimental to the neighborhood. We will continue to monitor this situation and keep our town streets safe.

Stephanie M. Shalkoski: Residents remain focused on the impact of two major developments: the recently approved housing project at 961 and 999 Broadway and 39R Forest Street, as well as the proposed redevelopment of the former Weylu’s site on Route 1.They have serious concerns about increased traffic, the neighborhood quality of life, the loss of green space, and potential environmental and construction-related impacts. More broadly, many are frustrated with existing traffic conditions on Route 1 and throughout town and are looking for meaningful improvements.

Residents are also interested in learning more about the study and future plans for a potential third public safety and fire station, particularly how it would improve response times and overall safety. I am looking forward to updates on the transition to automated trash and recycling collection, including the rollout of new receptacles. In addition, I remain focused on public health and environmental priorities, including the work of the Ash Landfill Closure Committee to ensure the ash landfill is closed in a timely and compliant manner. I remain committed to listening to residents’ concerns and ensuring their perspectives are represented at Town Meeting.

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’ve discussed a few topics with different fellow Town Meeting members, but we haven’t put pen to paper yet on anything definitive. We are determining how they would benefit the community.

  Stephanie M. Shalkoski: I am in regular communication with fellow Town Meeting members on a range of issues facing Saugus. At this time, I am not sponsoring any articles but remain actively engaged in reviewing and discussing those that will come before Town Meeting.