—
Commane listens, leads, solves
Editor, Townsman:
An unusual individual is running for office this year. Patricia Commane of Ballardvale seeks to represent the 17th Essex House district and is a formidable candidate for consideration.
As a committed rehabilitation counselor for 20 years, she has been a professional listener and problem solver which is exactly what we need in a state representative. Assisting people with disabilities to find employment is challenging even in better fiscal times, yet that is exactly what she has done with dedication and success.
She and I have served together on the Andover Commission on Disability for 10 years where I have come to appreciate her ethic and values, particularly her follow through on a variety of projects. She is especially focused on the partnering of resources which leads to the cooperation of more people and sound outcomes. I have also observed her style, which is to assess the issues at hand, weigh the alternatives with equal attention, and lead with thoughtful plans of resolution. She is committed to serving and has gone so far as to pledge that she would set aside her professional career and be our state representative on a full time, dedicated basis.
In a time when we are all seeking untainted perspectives and new energies to represent our region, including difficulties in Lawrence, she is a highly knowledgeable, mature voice. She is a stand-out candidate who has the enthusiastic support of the full membership of the Andover Commission.
Madelaine St. Amand
115 Bailey Road
Andover Commission on Disability
