Thursday, January 25, 2007 Older Editions

Shaping the future

Andover voters can decide whether to buy nearly 13 acres in southwest Andover, land the town manager says could prepare Andover for the future. Voters could decide the fate of two Proposition 21/2 overrides, both for maintenance of town property. They will control what they will pay in taxes next year and whether to add a new tax for community preservation. And that's just the tip of the iceberg at this year's Town Meeting, according to warrant articles filed by last Friday's deadline.

To what degree should residents be required to keep up their property?

Do we want a youth center behind Doherty Middle School?

Should we limit the size of commercial businesses?

During the next few months, there will be time to read about and ponder these significant questions. There will be time for people to decide what they want Andover to look like down the road. But the decisions will be made at Town Meeting. In these cynical times, when people feel as if they can't fight the government, Town Meeting gives people a direct voice in shaping their community. We look forward to seeing people there.