~ Political Announcement ~ Debra Panetta Announces her Candidacy for Re-Election to the Board of Selectmen

Hello, my name is Debra Panetta, and I am announcing my candidacy for re-election to the Board of Selectmen. It has been my privilege to serve on the Board of Selectmen, and I would be honored to serve two more years.

I am married to Mark Panetta, and have two children, Mark Jr. and Sabrina. I graduated from Suffolk University earning a BSBA in Accounting and earned my MBA from Northeastern University.

I also earned my Lean Six Sigma and PMP (Project Management Professional) Certifications. I work for Victoria Realty as a Site Manager/Finance Director. I have 40 years of accounting, finance, auditing, and real estate experience, and I am a business owner.

I have served as your Saugus Selectman for the past fourteen years, currently as Chairman. I am the President of the Saugus River Watershed Council, past President and member of SAVE. I am a member of the Historical Society, Saugus Business Education Collaborative, Friends of Breakheart, Women’s Guild, New Friends of the Saugus Library, Conservation Law, and the Garden Club.

Previously, I served as the Chairman of the Saugus School Committee, a five-term Town Meeting Member representing Precinct 5, and Vice-Chair of the Saugus Charter Commission. I also served as Secretary of the Cliftondale Revitalization Committee, the Master Plan Advisory Committee, and the Family Related Apartment Committee. I have also received my Distinguished Toastmaster designation.

I have been endorsed by the Sierra Club, the North Atlantic, States Regional Council of Carpenters Local 339, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM) Action Fund.

Since taking office, I have been involved in many initiatives, including:

• an increase in our bond rating to AA+ by S&P due to our strong economy and budget performance, saving taxpayers millions of dollars,
• construction of the new Saugus Middle/High School complex and renovation/repurposing of the Belmonte and Veterans Schools,
• rebuilding of our parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities,
• acceptance as a designated green community,
• a record amount of funds in stabilization,
• an increase in grant funding for public safety and recreation,
• supported hiring police, fire, and public safety personnel for a safer Saugus,
• creation of our C.H.a.R.M. Center for hard to recycle materials,
• road and sidewalk improvements,
• and the completion of the rail / bike trail.

Saugus residents can continue looking towards the future with confidence and progress.

We will work towards:

• continued strong financial performance in town,
• additional progress made on building & staffing a third fire station / West Side Public Safety and EMS Response Facility,
• completion of the Town-wide Public Safety Fiber-Optics Communication System Infrastructure upgrade,
• progress on the Town’s multimillion-dollar water meter replacement and advanced technology modernization program,
• addressing town-wide traffic concerns,
• continued expansion of our parks, trails, and open spaces,
• responsible, sustainable development that balances growth with protection of our neighborhoods and local infrastructure, and
• continued public discussions regarding the offline schools.

I am honored to have served as your Selectman for the past 14 years. I believe I have conducted myself with dignity, integrity, and professionalism with the office you have entrusted me with. I would like to work towards the continued progress our town has made for the betterment of residents and business owners. I would appreciate your vote on Tuesday, November 4th.

I am #7 on the ballot.

Thank you.

Debra

Contact information: (781-233-9720), de***********@***il.com, Facebook: Debra Panetta for Saugus Selectman