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E-mail Address:
Precinct: 10
Current Positions Held / Political Experience
Board of Selectmen (1987-1993), Town Meeting (1985-1987, 1993-1997, 2003-present) Chairman of the Saugus Finance Committee (1998-2001). Chairman Bylaw Study Committee (1993) that completed revised and re-codified the town bylaws. I recently initiated the process that obtained the signatures from 15% of the registered voters to place the question on the ballot to form a Charter Commission.
Current Occupation / Work Experience
Technology Curriculum Specialist - Winthrop Public Schools
Degrees Held / Education
I graduated Saugus High School in 1972, hold a Bachelors Degree in History from Salem State College (1976), a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Suffolk University (1991) and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Salem State College (2001).
Currently A Member Of...
Saugus Town Meeting - Precint 10
There was talk recently of the state taking over Saugus; would this be good or bad, and why?
I would say it depends. If, for example, Saugus cannot resolve its fiscal issues and if budget cuts become so drastic that public safety and public education is impacted even more than we see now, then the town may be served by the leadership from a state imposed control board. However, if Saugus is capable of resolving its fiscal matters, instilling trust and confidence in the public then I believe Saugus can resolve its problems. In my opinion the major issue in Saugus government is that too few decide too much that affects too many. The lack of financial oversight during a budget cycle is profound. The minimal information provided to and accepted by the part time Finance Committee results in poor financial choices. Our government, as constituted, does not encourage elected or appointed officials to be accountable.
Do you have any ideas about how to reduce expenses?
The Charter Commission could craft a document that encourages more competitive bidding, making sure that the auditing process is separate and apart from the person or persons who expends the budget, requiring performance evaluations based on established goals, as well as requiring as a condition of office that capital as well as financial plans be developed. Furthermore, there could also be required public forums on the budget at least twice per year as well as a public hearing on the budget before the executive branch transmits it to the legislative branch.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge facing the Town of Saugus in the next two years?
Re-establishing trust and credibility to the public. People do not trust this government, with good reason. They are told one thing and then see another. The greatest challenge is to create an environment where the public truly believes participation matters and that their voice counts. They do not think so now.
Do you have any ideas on how Saugus can best protect its neighborhoods from overcrowding?
Under our current governmental structure the Town Manager directs the work of all boards and commissions except the Board of Library Trustees. Hence there should be a collaborative effort to develop and put forth Master Plans, zoning changes, and other means to encourage the most efficient use of land that will meet mutually agreed upon community objectives. We have none of that taking place unless a citizen committee comes forth. A well crafted Town Charter can bring structure and clarity to the process of how land is used and regulated within Saugus.
What else do you think is important?
Public involvement. There are those who fear it, that believe it will "make the process messy." I disagree. With public involvement all things are possible for Saugus. If the public elects to have a Charter Commission and if I am one of the nine elected, public input will be encouraged and listened to. A final proposal will reflect public input and the lineage of that input to the final proposed charter will be documented and clear.
Submitted: 2007/10/24
Has not yet participated.
E-mail Address:
Precinct: 5
Current Positions Held / Political Experience
- Chairperson, Saugus School Committee
- Town Meeting Member (8 years)
- Saugus River Watershed Council (Board of Directors)
- SAVE (past President)
- SHORE Collaborative Board of Directors
- Saugus Vision and Scope Committee
- Chairperson: Recycling sub-Committee
- Family Related Apartments Committee (Secretary)
- Lynnhurst PTO
Current Occupation / Work Experience
Current: Tufts Health Plan, Manager of Senior Product (Actuarial) Prior position: Wellpoint, Director of Financial Planning and Analysis (6 years) Prior position: John Hancock, Senior Financial Officer (10 years)
Degrees Held / Education
Suffolk University, BSBA, Accounting Northeastern University, Masters in Business Administration American Real Estate Academy (Broker's license) Life Management Association (ACS designation) Toastmasters (Advanced Toastmasters Gold and Competent Leader designations)
Currently A Member Of...
- Saugus School Committee Chairperson
- Saugus Historical Society
- Toastmasters (President)
- Tree Committee
- Fine Arts sub-committtee
- SAVE
- Saugus River Watershed Council
- Friend of the Saugus Library
- Friends of Breakheart
- Blessed Sacrament
- North Shore Health Coalition
- Joint Committee on School Buildings
There was talk recently of the state taking over Saugus; would this be good or bad, and why?
I met with the Department of Revenue back in January, and they convinced me that having the state take over the town is bad for Saugus. When the state comes in, the townspeople no longer have a voice. We have to pay big salaries for these state representatives to come into our town, and we will (the town) be responsible for paying back any loans taken. I believe we can work together, as a community, to solve our fiscal problems. At the meeting, it was made clear that if we couldn't control our expenses, a control board would come into our town and make all the decisions for us -- without citizen input. If this happened, Saugus would also be the first town to be taken over by a control board.
Do you have any ideas about how to reduce expenses?
Having the town workers sign into the GIC was a big step towards reducing expenses. This should produce significant savings. I believe that we need more public input into the annual budget prior to it being voted on by the Selectmen. We should have a budget review meeting every quarter to compare departmental spending to the budget. We should start off with a zero based budget, and work our way up as opposed to just adding onto the last year's budget. Accountability and transparency are key as move forward.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge facing the Town of Saugus in the next two years?
I think we need to bring back credibility and trust into our town. There are many disheartened people after all the financial woes we've seen over the past couple of years. We still have a fiscal problem, even though we've taken steps to address this issue. The Town Manager still needs to address the other union contracts, but it is imperative that we build up a reserve (stabilization fund). I also think that new/refurbished schools are a must for our children. The School Committee and Selectmen should work more closely to ensure that the budgeted dollars for the School Department is fair. I think the establishment of the Joint Committee on School Building was an important first step in collaboration between the Selectmen and the School Committee.
Do you have any ideas on how Saugus can best protect its neighborhoods from overcrowding?
I started in politics years ago due to the overcrowding in my neighborhood. I live in Precinct 5, and there were 5 new developments being built. We first created a neighborhood task force, but then I joined SAVE and we worked together on zoning issues. When there is a new proposed development, town meeting members from that precinct should work with the neighbors and attend Planning Board meetings to ensure the neighborhoods are protected. We have seen that the current infrastructure in town cannot continue to support over-crowding.
What else do you think is important?
- Safety: having the proper Fire and Policemen on duty
- Schools:
- low class size
- continue to improve student achievement
- focus on improving MCAS scores
- reduce/eliminate student activity fees
- condition of schools
- upgrade technology
- bringing back art and music to elementary students
- updated textbooks
- RESCO: no third burner, closing of the ash landfill
- Correct town census
- Keeping our Library & Senior Center open
- Drug/Smoking/Peer pressure education for our youth
- I&I sewer problem
- Town Infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, water and sewer system)
- West-Side Fire Station
- Obtaining grant money
- Government accountability / transparency
- Preserving Open Space
- Increase Recycling
- Affordable Housing
Submitted: 2007/10/25
E-mail Address:
Precinct: 9
Current Positions Held / Political Experience
I have been active in local politics at the grass roots level. In addition, I served as town coordinator for two major political campaigns and I helped collect signatures to place the Charter Commission on the ballot.
Current Occupation / Work Experience
I have practiced law in the private and public sector for over 15 years, including as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice and as outside legal counsel to a number of Massachusetts cities and towns.
Degrees Held / Education
Saugus High School Graduate; B.A., magna cum laude, Colby College; M.Sc., London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London; J.D., University of Iowa, College of Law; and M.P.A., Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.
Currently A Member Of...
Governing Board of Common Cause Massachusetts; Saugus Historical Society; associate member of the Saugus Democratic Town Committee; admitted to the Massachusetts and Virginia Bars.
There was talk recently of the state taking over Saugus; would this be good or bad, and why?
This would not be good for Saugus because residents would have no say in what town services should be provided and the town would have to find a way to pay for the additional costs of the takeover. The fact that there are people who think state control would be good for Saugus, however, indicates that there is a need for the Charter Commission. When people advocate for a complete usurpation of the government, rather than just a change in the incumbents, they are expressing dissatisfaction with the current form of government. The Charter Commission will examine the local government structure to determine what improvements can be made to make sure it is the type of government people want and can respect.
Do you have any ideas about how to reduce expenses?
This question really should be, "How can Saugus taxpayers make sure that the revenue from our taxes are being spent on the type and level of services we want and how can we ensure that the costs of those services are minimized?" This is where the Charter Commission comes in. Charter Commission should make changes to the local government structure that will increase the accountability of the local government, improve the transparency of government actions, and encourage greater civic engagement. Achieving these three goals is necessary in order for taxpayers to be able to make sure that tax revenue is being spent on the type and level of services we want and that the costs of those services are minimized.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge facing the Town of Saugus in the next two years?
To determine what town services citizens want, how to provide those services in the most cost-effective way, and how to raise revenue for those services if necessary. Saugus can meet this challenge, but its citizens must have confidence again in the local government. The Charter Commission process can help to restore that confidence. People will be able to provide input to the Charter Commission about their experiences with the present government structure, either as someone who has served in it or as someone who has appeared before it. They also will be able to provide input on what changes should be made. Any proposed charter changes will be something that the majority of citizens can embrace and have confidence in.
Do you have any ideas on how Saugus can best protect its neighborhoods from overcrowding?
When a decision is made in Saugus by a local government board or committee, the primary concern should be with protecting the quality of life of the residents in every neighborhood in the town. The way to ensure that the town governmentâs primary concern is the quality of life of the town residents is to make the local government as accountable and transparent in its decision making as is possible. The goals of the Charter Commission will be to accomplish this through making changes to the present structure of government. So, if a neighborhood is threatened with overcrowding, the people in that neighborhood will be better able to ensure that the town governmentâs priority will be protecting their quality of life.
What else do you think is important?
I think it is important to describe how I hope the Charter Commission will proceed once it is approved by the voters. The Commission should begin by closely examining the present structure of the town government. In particular, people who have served in, or appeared before, town governmental bodies should be encouraged to provide input during this phase. Then, the Commission should consider all possible changes that can be made to the local government and examine what effect they may have on accountability, transparency, and civic engagement. Finally, after receiving input from residents of Saugus, the Charter Commission should prepare a proposal that it can be confident will have the support of the majority of the residents in Saugus.
Submitted: 2007/10/31
Has not yet participated.
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