It appears Andover's next town clerk will be able to ease into the job. The soon-to-be-hired person - finalists will be interviewed this month - will oversee a March town election with only one contested race. Challenger Larry Bruce and incumbents Jerry Stabile and Alex Vispoli will face off for two seats on the Board of Selectmen. There will be no School Committee race or race for Town Meeting moderator, Andover Housing Authority or the Greater Lawrence Technical High School committee. Normally, this means a low turnout.
That might be good news for someone orchestrating their first election as town clerk, but it isn't good news for a government by the people.
So, what to make of the lack of candidates? Are people too busy in this economy to devote the time? Do they see the tasks - including union negotiations and budget cuts - as too much for them to handle? Do they not want to face the aggravation and occasional criticism tossed at public officials? Do they believe the current crop cannot be beat? Or does everyone believe Andover's leaders are doing a better job than they could do themselves?
It is a difficult time and we appreciate the willingness to serve of the incumbents. But we do encourage others to consider getting involved in future contests. Democracy needs new blood, new people who will bring in new ideas. Often, even those who do not win the election contribute something important to the town. Outgoing School Committee member Deb Silberstein seems to understand the importance of having turnover, saying she intended all along to serve only two terms so she could devote herself to new endeavors. "I'm disappointed there aren't more people running for every office," she told us. Local government makes tremendous local impact. However, it needs new local people to keep the town moving forward.
Residents caging pet projects in trying times
It's been said for years, and this year it's coming home to roost. Current revenues, including state aid, cannot sustain the pace of Andover spending, particularly in the area of health insurance and other employee benefits. The main task of town leaders this year must be to rein in budget spending by prioritizing projects and negotiating more reasonable contracts. Cuts and privatization will and should be part of the discussion.
It appears residents "get it." Only four will seek money for projects at Town Meeting. All private warrant articles this year seek less than $300,000 combined and $54,000 is for a project that will be paid back through betterments. In many recent years, school supporters alone have at least filed articles seeking up to $2 million more for the school budget.
The next few months will show how well town officials respond to the great challenge, as they craft a final budget for Town Meeting.
