The following letter to the editor was submitted by Kathleen Grant, whose citizen’s article petition led to the select board calling a special town meeting for Nov. 20. 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.
Article 1 asks for voter input about our local form of government. It is not pro or con, and does not advocate for any particular form of government. People signing the petition for Article 1 span the pro, con, and don’t know positions, but are united in wanting to vote on it.
The Town Governance Study Committee says Open Town Meeting still works for Andover – but they don’t want to ask the voters about it. The Select Board voted unanimously not to ask the voters about it. However, more people signed the petition to ask the voters than usually vote at Town Meeting.
With the local ballot, everyone can vote in person or by absentee ballot. I expect there to be a robust discussion about Town government in the next few months before the March local election.
Article 1 is for democracy and making it easy for everyone to participate. At Special Town Meeting on Mon. Nov. 20, Vote Yes for Article 1.
Kathleen Grant
Andover
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