Town Election 2025: Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member Frank Federico has launched an early campaign for a Board of Selectmen seat

By Mark E. Vogler

Nomination papers for candidates aspiring to one of several municipal offices that will be on the Nov. 4 town election ballot won’t be available until July 21, just a month from tomorrow. The deadline for filing the papers is Sept. 16. Shortly after, voters will know who’s running and who’s not.

But Frank Federico has already declared himself a candidate for one of the five seats on the Board of Selectmen. “I’m definitely early,” the first-term Precinct 7 Town Meeting member told The Saugus Advocate this week.

“I already made up my mind that I am going to be a candidate for selectman. So, I decided to make it official and hit the ground running. I’m not one to procrastinate,” he said during an interview in a local coffee shop.

“This summer, I plan to spend the majority of my time going to events and knocking on doors throughout town. My main concern is having the time to hear from any resident who wants to talk to me and having the availability to do so. I like to meet people. I find talking to people very fulfilling, and I want people to have enough time to talk to me before the election,” he said.

Federico launched his campaign last Friday (June 13) night with a three-hour fundraiser at the Saugus VFW Post 2346 that drew 80 to 90 people and raised about $4,000. He said it was a low-key dinner affair in which those who attended could donate by cash or check. Based on the turnout, he said, he will have no problem obtaining the 50 certified signatures of registered voters to sign his nomination papers.

Federico, a 35-year-old Malden native, is a 2008 graduate of Pope John XXIII High School in Everett. After High School, he decided to join the workforce. He got his real estate license and then got his contract supervisor’s license. He decided to move to town about a decade ago.

“Saugus has been home for the past 10 years — and it’s where I’ve built everything that matters to me. I live here with my family, run my business here and care deeply about the future of this town,” Federico said this week.

“In 2015, I founded FVF Renovations, a general contracting company based in Saugus. From small beginnings, the company has grown steadily through word-of-mouth and a strong commitment to doing quality work with integrity. Before that, I worked in real estate, where I saw firsthand how housing costs and taxes impact working families. That experience led me to get more involved in town government and local policy,” he said. “I currently serve as a Town Meeting member representing Precinct Seven and sit on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Both roles have given me insight into how town decisions are made — and how important it is to include the voices of everyday residents in those decisions. I’ve never run for town-wide office before, but I believe Saugus is ready for leadership that’s independent, practical and accountable to the people who live here.”

A strong start in town politics

Federico ran for public office the first time two years ago, and he topped the field of six candidates for the five seats in Precinct 7. He bested all five incumbents running in the race. Town Meeting Member Stefano D’Anna lost his seat.

As he completes the final six months of his two-year term, Federico expresses confidence that he can compete in a field of candidates in which up to four incumbents are expected to seek reelection. Selectman Corinne Riley announced earlier this year that she will not seek a fourth term on the board. And that decision is expected to widen the field of competition.

Federico said he sees himself as an independent voice of the people who is not aligned with any particular political camp. “I don’t wish to be beholden to anybody,” Federico said.

“I’m willing to work with anybody with any views, provided they keep an open mind in considering my ideas and that they treat me with respect. And I will do the same,” he said.

“I think there needs to be a little more civility in government. I think we’ve gotten away from that, both locally and on the federal level. It would be nice to see us get back to that [civility],” he said.

On the controversial issue of WIN Waste Innovations and its desire to expand the ash landfill near its trash-to-energy incinerator on Route 107, Federico said he’s “trying to remain neutral.” “I don’t want to be labeled ‘pro-WIN.’ But I don’t want to be labeled ‘anti-WIN’ either. I want to hear more from the residents on it. People vote you into office to be a voice for them — not yourself,” he said.

“If the residents are ‘anti-WIN,’ I’ll support them. If they’re ‘pro-WIN,’ I’ll support that, too. I think WIN has made big strides in improving community relations with us. And I think there are valid points on both sides as to whether we need to close down the ash landfill,” he said.

At the moment, it’s an issue that the town doesn’t have to make a decision on because existing state regulations won’t allow expansion of the ash landfill, which has about two to three years of life left. It would take a change in state regulations to allow farther expansion of the ash landfill.

“It’s really out of our hands and more in the state’s hands,” Federico said.

“It’s not just one issue”

  When pressed for a reason as to why he wants to be elected to the Board of Selectmen, Federico said there’s no primary issue that motivated him. “It’s not just one issue, it’s the overall effectiveness of Saugus town government,” Federico said.

“I hear it’s very difficult for businesses to get things done, working with the town. That’s a concern. We need to do something to bring better business into Saugus. We need to create an economic revival on Route One,” he said.

Improving the business climate in town goes hand in hand with improving the town’s educational system, according to Federico. “I think the schools need more funding. Teachers and parents have told me they are concerned about the classroom sizes growing,” said Federico, who volunteers as an assistant Little League coach in the T-Ball division, where he gets to meet many parents.

“If we bring more business to town to generate more money, we’ll be able to afford to spend more money on education. I’d like to focus on doing something with businesses for the town to ease the tax burden. And there’s no reason why Saugus schools can’t be a desirable location,” he said.

Another top issue for Federico is making local government more people-friendly and accessible to the average town resident. “I want to see more transparency in government,” Federico said.

“A lot of residents have told me they would attend an event or be part of something if they only knew about it. I want to be the selectman that makes their voices heard or represents them,” he said.

Federico’s response to a questionnaire

Here are some highlights of a questionnaire that The Saugus Advocate had emailed Federico in addition to this week’s interview.

Q: How did your campaign kick-off go last Friday? How many attended and how much did you raise in funds? Who is your campaign manager? Are there any prominent town or community leaders supporting your candidacy?

A: Friday night at the VFW, I held my campaign kickoff dinner — and I couldn’t be more thankful for how it went.

It was an incredible night surrounded by family, friends, and fellow Saugus residents. The turnout exceeded expectations, and we raised around $4,000 to help get the campaign off the ground. I’m grateful to everyone who came out and showed their support — it meant a lot to me and my family.

This was my first fundraiser, and it was intentionally focused on people who know me personally. We’re planning a larger event later this summer that will bring together more folks from across town.

I’m fortunate to have Nikki Gregorio managing the campaign. She brings strong experience and keeps things organized so I can stay focused on the people and the issues.

Several town and community leaders have offered their encouragement, and I appreciate their support. That said, I’m running as an independent candidate — one who answers only to the residents of Saugus. I believe that kind of independence matters now more than ever.

  Q: What background do you have that best qualifies you as a candidate for this elective office?

  A: As a Saugus-based business owner with over ten years of experience in residential and light commercial construction, I deal every day with budgets, timelines, regulations, and problem-solving. I know how to work efficiently, manage competing priorities, and deliver results that people can rely on.

These are the same skills I bring to public service. Through my work — and through my service on the Zoning Board of Appeals and as a Town Meeting member — I’ve developed a deep understanding of how local decisions impact real people. I’m committed to being thoughtful, transparent, and hands-on in the way I lead.

  Q: What are your priority issues if elected? What do you hope to accomplish in your role as a selectman?

  A: My goal is to make Saugus work better for the people who live here — and that starts with practical, community-focused leadership.

If elected, I’ll focus on keeping Saugus affordable for families and seniors, promoting smart development that respects the character of our neighborhoods, supporting strong schools and public safety, and making local government more accessible and responsive.

I also want to see real progress on improving infrastructure, modernizing town services, and protecting the town’s natural resources. These aren’t abstract goals — they’re priorities I hear about from residents every day, and I’m ready to do the work to move them forward.

  Q: Nomination papers don’t become available until July 21 and don’t have to be filed until Sept. 16. Why are you announcing now? When did you first consider running for a seat on the Board of Selectmen?

  Once I made the decision to run, I didn’t see any reason to wait. I approach this campaign the same way I approach my work — show up early, stay engaged, and follow through.

Announcing early also gives me time to connect with more people in town. I want to have as many conversations as I can this summer — at events, door to door, and in everyday places — so I can better understand what matters most to the community. That feedback will guide how I campaign and, if elected, how I serve.

  Q: Anything else that you would like to share?

  A: This campaign is about listening. I want to hear directly from the people of Saugus — about what’s working, what’s not, and where we can do better.

I’ve already started meeting with residents and getting great input. If there’s something on your mind, I encourage you to reach out. I’m available by phone at 617-797-6414 or by email at fr***********************@***il.com.

I look forward to the conversations ahead — and to earning your trust, one conversation at a time.