Thursday, January 27, 2000 Older Editions

Help wanted - Election draws few candidates

By Neil Fater

The Andover Housing Authority almost gave new meaning to the term uncontested race.

As of Tuesday, with just 13 days left for candidates to get on the March ballot, not a single candidate had taken out papers to run for the one seat available.

"We have a couple more weeks, but I haven't even had a phone call," said Town Clerk Randy Hanson. "People usually do that after Christmas really. Usually I'd have some sense of them taking out papers right after the holidays.

"I haven't had a call. I haven't heard anyone (express) interest," she said. "I'm a little concerned. I've never had to keep pushing to get some interest before."

The predicament sent Hanson scanning town records to learn what would happen if no one runs.

If that happened, there would be a write-in race. Whoever received the most votes, whether that's two votes or 2,000, would win.

That could turn the election into a farce. Conceivably, a group of practical jokers could get together and elect someone they know doesn't want the position.

However, that possible event was avoided Wednesday. Michael Frishman, a former School Committee member, confirmed Wednesday morning that he will run because "I think being part of town affairs is a responsibility of every town citizen."

Yet Frishman acknowledges that his candidacy will mean the only candidate for Housing Authority is not even running because of any specific interest in the authority itself. He also encourages others to run.

"I'm considering it, not out of a great desire to serve on the authority," he said Tuesday, but to make sure a committed resident who faithfully fulfill the duties is elected.

"Out of civic responsibility, if nothing else, I will see that there is at least a candidate," says Frishman.

As a United Way worker, Frishman says he does have knowledge of the authority and some of the issues faced by people living in public housing.

Fox not returning

The as-yet-unwanted position Frishman may seek is being vacated by Jason Fox, of Walnut Street, who is finishing his first five-year term.

Fox has opened a law practice in Medford, which is taking up a lot of his time, and he may soon be moving out of Andover to reduce his commute.

"I did enjoy it a lot. I met a lot of people I consider friends. It was a tough decision, but I didn't want to do it halfheartedly," says Fox, of leaving the authority. "I'm looking at the logistics."

As for why no one had even taken out papers as of Tuesday, Fox has a theory.

"It's not a high-profile position. A lot of people don't know about it. But I think it's a rewarding position," says Fox. "Since this is a smaller control sphere or scope, you can actually see how you impact people."

Frishman also suggests that the length of the commitment -- five years, instead of the three years for selectmen and School Committee seats -- may also have been a factor.

Housing Authority Chairman Ronald Hajj seems to agree with Fox.

"The reason they haven't taken out papers is maybe just a lack of interest people have in town or government positions," he says. "(The housing authority) is a low position, where there's not much attention or much excitement.

"But it's an office you have where you're helping people. That's what it's all about," says Hajj. "It's a position where you're taking care of people, trying to help people. That might not appeal to some people."