For many residents the responsibilities of elected and appointed officials and committee memberships of Andover are not well known. That can also be true for candidates or volunteers who step forward to do their part for the community by serving.

After years of dedicated and diligent service as Chairman of the Cemetery Trustees, Pat Cutter did not run for another term last March. Three other members of the community tried to match her efforts. They discovered that the duties were more than they had anticipated. Their schedules made it impossible to meet regularly and, most importantly, to be available when needed to arrange for the details of burial for bereaved family members.

One trustee resigned before any serious issues developed. The other two, after discussion with the Selectmen and recognizing their incompatible circumstances, also decided to resign.

It will be our suggestion in a warrant article consistent with state laws that the duties of the Cemetery Trustees be transferred to the Selectmen, and that the day-to-day responsibilities of supervising maintenance, plot sales, interment, and care for memorials be delegated to a Sexton.

At this time, when volunteer positions, local government official offices, and committee memberships are becoming increasingly difficult to fill because of time and circumstance limits, we think it is very practical to make this change.