Thursday, March 22, 2007 Older Editions

Your vote not to be wasted

Andover voters do not want to miss next Tuesday's election. With 15 candidates on the ballot for six posts, they have plenty of interesting choices. A record turnout is quite possible.

For the first time in nearly 30 years, Jim Doherty is not running for town moderator, throwing the door wide open for someone new to lead what some believe is the largest Town Meeting in the world. Five residents have walked through that door and seek your vote. It is a strong field, offering distinct choices. Whoever is elected must show that the cherished institution of Open Town Meeting is viable without Jim Doherty's leadership.

Town Meeting is direct democracy. It allows every Andover voter to decide key issues - from how much they will pay in taxes to what rules residents must follow. The new moderator must keep Town Meeting strong to preserve Andover government as we know it. This person must be respected, in control, have knowledge of the town and its budget, and be seen as a person without an agenda.

The candidate who offers the right combination of level temperament, Town Meeting experience and earned respect is Eric Nadworny.

As a former School Committee member, Nadworny has experience with the Andover Town Meeting and budget process. As a professional negotiator, he has experience with allowing both sides to be heard in the midst of controversial debate. As someone who has been removed from public office for a few years, Nadworny does not carry the baggage of having recently taken controversial positions. Like a good umpire, Nadworny can keep this first post-Jim Doherty meeting on track so that the focus is not on who is running the meeting, but on the important business at hand. He has earned the respect he will need to moderate discussion at Town Meeting, and his presense can allow a new chapter in Andover to begin.

In the selectmen race, several challengers offer innovative ideas and fiscally conservative voices. But given the pressing need this year to immediately close a $2.8 million budget gap, we support budget-minded candidates who also will not face a learning curve: incumbent Alex Vispoli and former Finance and School Committee member Don Robb.

During his first term, Vispoli has shown a willingness to find cost savings and dive into complicated matters. He has taken the reins on the Interchange-93 project, which could have more impact on Andover development and traffic than any project in decades. Done correctly, the project will ease Ballardvale traffic and allow for business expansion, easing taxpayers' burden. He needs to continue his work, protecting Andover residents' interests. Vispoli has also looked to reduce perks, for instance by analyzing the town's vehicle use and the number of employees who are given take-home vehicles.

Don Robb has shown over the years - including 10 each on the Finance and School Committees - that he has the willingness to ask the tough questions. At least as importantly, he has shown he has the knowledge to understand what questions to ask. He has been an outspoken proponent of providing more transparency in the Andover departmental budgets. He would push for all departments to prioritize spending so that when cuts are needed, people know what will be dropped.

For School Committee, voters should support the candidates who have shown focused dedication to Andover and its people. Debra Silberstein commands enough knowledge and respect that she has be selected as chairwoman for two of her three years. Her knowledge of the school budget issues and ability to work with others - crucial during talks of layoffs or an override - is unmatched on the committee thanks to her years on the Finance Committee, and her temperament. Dick Collins, one of two educators on the ballot, has spent his life in the Andover schools and brings that experience to the board.