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 two of the five Town Meeting Members in Precinct 7. Town Meeting members who don’t respond in a given week are still invited to submit a response, which will be included in the next edition. For next week’s newspaper, we will reach out to the five Town Meeting Members from Precinct 8. The 2025 Annual Town Meeting convenes three 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?

Frank V. Federico: As we look ahead to the 2025 Town Meeting, there are many important issues to consider as we prioritize the future of our town. However, one issue that stands out is the need for a third public safety building in Saugus. This project is crucial for the continued safety and well-being of our community by lowering response times of first responders and assisting with the amount of 911 calls currently being handled by Saugus first responders.

That being said, it is equally important that we approach this plan with careful consideration of the financial impact on our residents, especially our seniors, who have been stretched thin financially. It is my hope that we can come together as a community to develop a thoughtful, well-structured plan that minimizes costs while ensuring the safety of our town.

I look forward to collaborating with fellow residents and town leaders to find a solution that benefits Saugus as a whole.

John Chipouras: We are building more and more Apartments and Condos!! How do we educate all the new children that come to town!! We need to reopen some of the elementary schools!!

Question Two: What do you consider the top priority for residents in your precinct (Precinct 7) as you prepare for the opening of the 2025 Town Meeting session?

Frank V. Federico: Undoubtedly, one of the most pressing issues for my precinct is the traffic congestion on Walnut Street. This ongoing challenge has been a source of concern for many residents, and I have already reached out to state officials who have assured me that they are actively exploring potential solutions to alleviate some of the traffic.

While it’s important to recognize that traffic is not just a Saugus issue but a broader regional concern, I believe that a thorough assessment of Walnut Street’s traffic patterns will help us identify targeted solutions that can make a significant difference. By working together with state and local officials, we can find a practical approach that improves traffic flow and addresses the needs of our community.

John Chipouras: We do need a fire station in North Saugus!! We need the Kohl’s Plaza to open the new supermarket that we have been promised!! I do feel bad for Card Smart that has been a staple to every supermarket that has been there!!

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.

Frank V. Federico: I am currently in the process of developing several ideas for articles to be introduced at Town Meeting. However, I believe it is important to take the necessary time to thoroughly educate myself on each topic and consult with both residents and local officials before submitting any articles for a vote. This careful, collaborative approach ensures that the final articles are as comprehensive and well-informed as possible. As such, these articles will likely not be ready for this year’s Town Meeting, but I am committed to presenting the best possible proposals for the benefit of our community.

John Chipouras: I do feel that the Article that has Seniors volunteering for the Town to lower their Property Taxes!! This is a great service for our Seniors!! I highly recommend that we Pass this article!!

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

Frank V. Federico: I’m looking forward to the upcoming Town Meeting. Last year marked my first year as an elected member, and I spent much of that time working diligently to familiarize myself with the process. This year, I am excited for the opportunity to engage in healthy discussions on the articles being presented, with the goal of ensuring that we are making decisions that best serve the entire community of Saugus.

John Chipouras: I would like the Town Meeting Members to work together to pass any articles that would benefit the Whole Town of Saugus!! It’s not a popularity contest!! I do think that the current administration has done a great job for the Town!!