In recent years, the Board of Selectmen has focused its attention on a few problems to the exclusion of its larger mission, no longer focusing on shaping the future of our town. Our Town Manager has developed a five-year financial model and a town-wide facilities assessment was conducted. Yet, our annual budgeting process has become contentious and divisive. This needs to change. We are not without our challenges, but we must stop viewing the people of our town as special interest groups – town vs. schools, seniors vs. youth, residents vs. employees and retirees. Instead, we need a process that brings people together to establish a shared set of town-wide priorities to address both the challenges and opportunities we face together. As a Selectmen, I will listen, learn and work with all stakeholders. I will work to re-focus the Board to again set the tone for an inclusive government which reflects all of Andover’s residents and does so in the context of both Andover’s history and the bright future we can all achieve together.
Laura Gregory for Andover Select Board 