Thursday, March 29, 2007 Older Editions

Passing of the gavel

By April Guilmet

Like father, like daughter.

The old saying rang true Tuesday night, when Sheila Doherty, daughter of longtime Town Moderator James Doherty, took the gavel from her retiring father.

She won the moderator's race, finishing almost 1,000 votes ahead of her nearest competitor.

The elder Doherty's eyes welled up as he spoke of a victory that he said was many years in the making.

"We've been working on it for a long time," said James Doherty, 91, during his daughter's victory celebration at the Andover Country Club.

The proud papa said he felt his daughter was "the best candidate, by far."

"She has working knowledge of Town Meeting," said James Doherty, who has been Andover's town moderator for the past 29 years - the person who runs meetings that help determine things like residents' tax bills and what services they receive. "If you don't grow up with this, you really don't have an understanding of what goes on (at Town Meeting)."

His daughter, who has had perfect Town Meeting attendance over the past five years, credited those who have helped her along the way.

"I'm so grateful to those who came out to support me," said Sheila Doherty, 53. "It's very humbling... but it's been quite an adventure."

A self-professed "firm believer in Town Meeting," the younger Doherty is co-owner of Doherty Insurance and is currently vice chairwoman of the Planning Board. She said her leadership positions in the insurance industry have also made her well prepared for her new role as moderator.

Former School Committee member Eric Nadworny, 53, of Rogers Brook East came in second in the moderator's race with 987 votes, with current School Committee member David Samuels, 44, of Ridge Hill Way finishing third with 966 votes.

Former Ipswich Town Moderator Larry Morse, 60, of Salem Street received 276 votes, while political newcomer Kenneth Ozoonian, 57, of Osgood Street got 200 votes.

Despite the final tally, Ozoonian said the experience was, overall, a positive one.

"I've enjoyed the whole campaign. It's been a great experience," he said. "It's been an honor to be part of this group of five."