Select Board
David Blinn
I cannot believe a year has passed since you elected me to serve out a one-year term. It is my hope that the work completed and those projects yet to come will cause you to cast your vote for me again to serve a three-year term.
We have kept within our 2016 Town budget and completed numerous projects and tasks that have truly benefited Andover. Our 2017 Town budget will rise less than two percent; however, the work schedule is strong and well planned. The Town Report will provide you with the specifics prior to elections and Town Meeting on Tuesday, March 14.
I respectfully ask that you give me the opportunity to continue to do my work on your behalf for the next three years. Common sense, open dialog, focus, and positive long- and short-term planning remain at the core of my commitment to you and to Andover.
Budget Committee
Chris Norris
I have had the honor of serving on the Budget Committee for several months as a temporary replacement for a former elected member. I found it a bit daunting at first, as the specified process of developing a Town budget takes some time to fully comprehend.
However, with the support of the excellent group of current members, I feel I am making progress. Enough so, that I am now running for a three-year term and hope to continue to be a contributing member of the Budget Committee.
As the various Town departments come before the committee with their budget requests, it certainly has made me appreciate the tremendous work that is being done by the people of this town, volunteers and employees alike, in seeking to fulfill their respective missions while remaining mindful of the ever-present need for fiscal restraint.
Cemetery Trustee
Pat Cutter
I first became a Cemetery Trustee in 1990 when the job was authorized by the Board of Selectmen. I took a year or so off when my husband was ill but returned and have served since. This term will be my last, and I ask that you give me the opportunity to continue to oversee our cemeteries.
Trustee of Trust Funds
Joanne Edgar (write-in)
I am running as a write-in candidate for Trustee of Trust Funds. I have served as Trustee since 2013.
I am a Certified Public Accountant, founder and managing partner of J. Edgar Group, a CFO consulting firm providing high-level financial leadership to small and medium-sized companies. For over 30 years, I have guided businesses in need of an experienced accountant to oversee all aspects of their finances.
In addition to volunteering my time as Trustee, I have also volunteered my time to provide expertise in finance for Andover After School Program. Please write in Joanne Edgar for Trustee of Trust Funds.
Library Trustee
Alita Phelps
I have been a teacher for over 20 years in Vermont and New Hampshire. For many of those years, I was an English teacher. In this role, I worked to foster a love of reading in the young people with whom I worked.
Since I moved to Andover, I have truly enjoyed visiting the town’s libraries. I am impressed with the hard work and diligence of the people who work there.
To a casual visitor such as myself, the warm environment and the depth of the libraries’ holdings seem effortless. However, I understand that a lot of things need to happen to create that. I have a lot to learn about how things work, but I’m eager to participate.
I hope you will vote for me on election day for the position of Library Trustee.
School Board
Brian Gilman
I have lived in Andover for the past 12 years with my wife Sarah and our three children: Asa (third grade), Sam (second grade), and Sadie, who is in preschool. I am interested in joining the Andover School Board for many reasons.
Last year I joined the task force for evaluating the building space needs and code compliance; this experience was a great opportunity for me to learn about the role of the School Board and the impact that it has in our community. I enjoyed working closely with a group of individuals who clearly are devoted to our school. Throughout that process I also gained an understanding of how important it is to advocate for positive change, ultimately impacting our children in the school.
I believe my work experience as a Professional Engineer offers a complement to the diversity of the School Board; I am a critical thinker, reserved but articulate and eager to support our amazing school system.
Outside of my professional life I enjoy just about every outside activity and feel lucky to enjoy so much of it in Andover. I also enjoy mountain biking, whether on the competitive circuit, competing in ultra-endurance races, or riding with my children, who all enjoy biking as much as I do. Last summer I coached in the newly established Andover Cycling Club, which I look forward to doing again this year.
During the winter months I am a U14 alpine race coach for the Ragged Mountain Ski Team. In my free time (what’s that?!) I like to relax on the river fly fishing. Most importantly, I enjoy spending time with my family and enjoy watching my children grow up in Andover.
School Moderator
Elizabeth “Betsy” Paine (write-in)
I am running as a write-in candidate for School District Moderator. I am an attorney currently working with CASA New Hampshire, a nonprofit that provides advocacy for children. Both my children attended AE/MS.
This will be the fifth year that I have served as moderator for the Andover School District. I have attended the New Hampshire Municipal Association moderators’ workshop for the past three years.
I would appreciate your vote on March 14. Please write in Elizabeth “Betsy” Paine.
School Treasurer
Shirley Currier
I am running for my 11th term as School District Treasurer. I graduated from Hesser Business College and did the accounting for the Andover Village Store and Currier and Phelps for over 30 years. I was also the treasurer for the Andover Fourth of July Committee for over 40 years and treasurer of the Andover Historical Society for a number of years.
I enjoy this work and would appreciate your vote on March 14.