North Andover Candidate Profile: Laura Bates For Select Board

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — The Town of North Andover's Annual Town Election is on Tuesday.

This year, four offices are on the ballot: Select Board, School Committee, Housing Authority and Greater Lawrence Technical School District Committee.

Here are more details about the upcoming election.

Patch is profiling some of the candidates. Today, we learn more about Laura Bates, who is an incumbent running for one of two open spots on the Select Board. Brian Roache is the only other candidate for Select Board.

Candidates were sent questionnaires and filled out the answers.

Laura Bates

Campaign website

laurabatesna@gmail.com

Age (as of Election Day)

42

Office sought

Select Board

Family

I live in North Andover with my husband Dean, who is an investigations supervisor for the Attorney General's Office, my two boys Jackson (12) and Colton (8), and our new puppy Ruby. You will usually find us bouncing between fields for soccer, baseball and lacrosse. If we're not at the fields, we love to ski as a family.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Roger Williams University and an MBA from Bentley University

Occupation

Project engineer for a structural engineering firm with 19 years of experience.

Previous or current elected or appointed office

Current member of the Select Board. I have served for 3 years.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I believe we are better as One Community and it's important that we come together with our differing opinions and ideas to do what is best for North Andover.

Describe the issues that define your campaign platform

Although we have accomplished a lot together over the past three years, we still have work to do. I will remain focused on the revitalization of our downtown so that it becomes the heart of our community, where residents want to dine and shop. I will continue to work on rezoning with the input of residents and businesses and ensure that developers are in line with the Master Plan and our vision for our One Community.

Columbia Gas upended our lives more than four years ago, I will continue to make sure all the promised paving is completed as our community is made whole again and that the money is spent wisely so that we can improve our sidewalks and implement traffic calming measures.

Rising utility rates have affected us all, I will advocate for better utility rates through the Community Aggregate Program, make sure residents are enrolled in the program and support our most vulnerable residents with payment relief with funds from the American Rescue Act Plan.

With the completion of the Fields Master Plan, I will prioritize taking care of the athletic fields that we have, focus on updates that will improve the experience of the players and spectators and make sure we have adequate fields to support our youth programs and give us the ability to expand adult athletic programs.

If you are an incumbent, how long have you served in this position and what are your major accomplishments while in office?

My biggest accomplishment is advocating for Facilities Master Plan 2, it is a consequential and comprehensive plan that will have generational impacts on our community. We worked hard to minimize the financial impact on taxpayers to meet some of the dire needs of the schools, fire station 2 and the youth center. It is very important to me to continue to strengthen our relationship with the School Committee in order to see these projects through and ensure that we are providing the best possible education for our children. Investing in our schools benefits our entire community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My engineering background gives me the skills to research, listen, be thoughtful and pragmatic. All these skills are important as we work together as One Community to make decisions for North Andover and Move Forward Together.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As an engineer and a mother of two young children, I bring a unique perspective to the board. I have listened intently and worked collaboratively with other boards, committees and residents. I will continue to bring members of our One Community together to ensure we are doing what is best for North Andover.