The following letter to the editor was submitted by Andover resident Kristin Wise. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Andover News. You can learn more about our policy on opinion and commentary on our Mission and Policies page.
I’m disheartened by the lack of receptiveness from most members of Andover’s Select Board towards differing viewpoints. On March 26, I’ll cast my vote for Kevin Coffey, an independent candidate known for asking insightful questions without being tied to any specific alliances or agendas.
The March 26 local election ballot can be viewed online and is being mailed to those who requested. While the ballot will include candidates for various office, it will NOT include a question regarding Open Town Meeting. Despite overwhelming voter approval at Special Town Meeting in November asking for a ballot question, the petitioner and voters were told under Massachusetts General Law that a vote at Special Town meeting was not appropriate.
In January this Select Board, with a 3-2 majority, chose not to add the ballot question themselves or act on a new citizens petition that I submitted. Both methods were appropriate and legal. Instead, this Select Board wants to ask the very small minority of voters who attend Town Meeting. So, despite the strong/unified resident voices and the Town Governance Study Committee report showing Town Meeting attendance is only a fraction of those who vote in local elections, that is who this Select Board wants to ask.
Over the past months many residents have voiced concerns they are not being heard by Town boards. The process seems to be: make a decision and tell the voters, rather than get input from the start. Not listening to voters seems to be a theme of this Select Board. It’s time to break the insular echo chamber and elect a candidate like Kevin who is open to hearing various and opposing opinions to build consensus.
I know Kevin Coffey is listening. He is willing to ask tough questions and listen to residents’ concerns. Please join me in supporting Kevin Coffey for Select Board on Tuesday March 26
Thanks,
Kristin Wise
Inwood Lane
Andover, MA
Andover News accepts and encourage reader submissions, including letters to the editor and opinion columns. Submissions should be 750 words long or fewer and Andover-focused. Please include your name, title if applicable to your topic and connection or interest in Andover. We also need a phone number so we can confirm authorship. Send us your prose!