Their last meeting was for farewells

Corinne Riley completed six years on the Board of Selectmen in a harmonious final session filled with smiles, kisses, hugs and praise from her four colleagues

By Mark E. Vogler

Tuesday night’s Board of Selectmen meeting was short and sweet, loaded with kind words exchanged between all five members – four are candidates in the Nov. 4 Town Election. Corinne Riley, who announced months ago that she wouldn’t be seeking another two-year term, savored the current board’s last meeting together as she sat in her selectman’s seat for a final time with a bouquet of red and white roses that was placed by her husband Chris on her desk.

Riley began her speech by thanking the residents of Saugus for electing her to three terms. “I believe we made up an effective board that got many things accomplished,” Riley said in a brief statement she read.

“We addressed and voted on a lot during these six years. But getting our town through the years during the years of COVID really stands out more than the rest,” Riley said. “Because we had so many good people in government – the town manager, his staff, public safety and inspectional services, education and many others who came together to get through this toughest time in our history.

She thanked Town Manager Scott Crabtree “for addressing many concerns I had as a selectman.”

She wished her four colleagues – incumbent Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta and Selectmen Jeffrey Cicolini, Michael Serino and Anthony Cogliano – success in their upcoming election. “You all deserved to be reelected,” Riley said.

Her fellow selectmen returned the praise. “I think you are an incredible person and have done so much for the town,” Cicolini said.

Cicolini then heaped some praise on all of the candidates who aspire to be on the next Board of Selectmen. “There are no wrongs in the upcoming election,” he said. “No matter what the voters decide, it’s going to be right for the town.”

Panetta told Riley that her presence on the board will be missed. The selectman chair also thanked her board for their efforts over the past six years. “I have the utmost respect for each and every one of you,” she said.