Manoogian Files A “Citizens Right To Speak” Article for May’s Annual Town Meeting

  Nearly a dozen taxpaying Saugus residents were denied a chance to speak on an article at a Special Town Meeting last Oct. 24 when Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member William Brown made the motion to “move the question.”

  “That motion passed by one vote,” Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian recalled.

  “As a result, the long-standing tradition of not silencing the public on matters before Town Meeting was broken,” Manoogian said

  Manoogian has authored an article for the May 1 Annual Town Meeting that would prevent such occurrences in the future. The proposed bylaw would require a 9/10 vote to shut out Saugus residents seeking the floor, according to the proposal. If the Moderator determines that no Saugus residents are seeking to be heard, then the 2/3 vote will remain.

  Citizens can file articles for consideration by Town Meeting up until April 4 when the warrant closes.