Andover Town Governance Study Committee Plans Public Forums

Press release from the Andover town clerk's office:

Does Andover’s current governance system (i.e., Open Town Meeting) serve the community well? Do Andover’s residents feel they can have input in decisions? These are among the dozens of critical questions the Andover Town Governance Study Committee has been examining for more than a year.

Chartered by the Select Board and Town Manager to study and recommend beneficial changes to Andover’s governance, the committee has focused first on the foundational question of whether Andover should retain Open Town Meeting or adopt another form of government.

Before the committee adopts a position on Andover’s form of government, the committee will host three virtual public forums to present information and to gather community input. All Andover residents are encouraged to attend these forums and help inform the committee’s recommendations to the Select Board and Town Manager.

The three public forums will be held as follows:

• Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
• Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.

Through more than a year of public input, data gathering, and intense deliberation, the committee has developed an in-depth understanding of the various forms of municipal government: Open Town Meeting, Representative Town Meeting, a council with a town manager, and a council with an elected mayor. The committee’s understanding is supported by data from comparative communities, civic participation records, expert and neutral opinion on how other towns govern themselves, and on an understanding of Andover’s culture and history.

These upcoming forums will provide an opportunity to talk with residents about these form of government options.

The forums will be held virtually. If you wish to participate in a forum, simply click on the WebEx links that will be provided on the Town website or request a link by email to townclerk@andoverma.us. Residents can also view the forums live on Comcast Channel 22 and Verizon Channel 45, and recordings will be available at andovertv.org.

The committee welcomes, and will rely on, active public input.

This press release was produced by the town of Andover. The views expressed are the author's own.