Republican Town Committee elects officers, discusses the gubernatorial race

  Members of the Saugus Republican Town Committee shared their expectations for this year and beyond, following last Thursday night’s election of officers at the MEG building.

  For incoming Vice-Chairman Matthew Scrivano, who previously served as committee secretary, his hope in serving is to enact more Republican-based policies into place, adding that there’s little accountability in government. “We have to turn the tide a little bit,” Scrivano said. “It’s been mostly one party for far too long.”

  Incoming Secretary Janice Jarosz, who recently became a Republican, said she made the switch since the party more closely aligns with her values of country, God, military, police and law and order. “It’s an exciting time,” Jarosz said. “I’ve noticed a lot of younger people are getting involved.”

  Incoming Treasurer Steven Pericola felt that Democrats should not run unopposed. “We have to try to get more Republicans elected,” Pericola said.

  Existing Chairman James Harrington hopes that Americans realize that the liberal, progressive movement isn’t helping the country, adding that more Republicans are needed in Congress and the Senate. “The Republican Party has been given a bad image,” Harrington said. “They don’t deserve it, and we’re going to do our best to try to change it.”

  During the meeting, Harrington was concerned about candidate for Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey’s statement reportedly encouraging rioting. Healey identifies herself as a Democrat and currently serves as Attorney General. During a Zoom conference call on June 3, 2020, before 300 members of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Healey asked for a call to action from business leaders to work to end racial inequalities and systemic racism. She ended her speech saying, “Yes, America is burning, but that’s how forests grow.”

  “Is that someone we can trust?” Harrington asked.

  He also mentioned that Independent Diana Ploss, conservative Republican Geoff Diehl and moderate Republican Christopher Doughty are some of the candidates who have announced their candidacy, following Republican Governor Charlie Baker’s announcement that he won’t seek reelection in the gubernatorial election in 2022.

  Harrington also expressed some concern that Baker is reportedly okay with giving illegal immigrants driver’s licenses. It passed in the House but has to go through the Senate. “I’m disappointed to see it,” Harrington said.

  He went on to say that gas and heating fuel has doubled while inflation has risen.

  “People are starting to wake up to the failures of the Biden administration,” Harrington said while ending the meeting. “There is hope – our candidates need your help and support.”

  Members also elected delegates to the Republican State Convention on Saturday, May 21, in Springfield, including not but limited to: Board of Selectmen Chairman Anthony Cogliano, State Rep. Donald Wong and residents Robert Long and Paul Allan.