At age 84, I had to think twice – or maybe thrice – before filing to run for another term on the Budget Committee.

My decision to do so arose out of recognition of the growing pressures on the budget process as the Town and School District struggle to hold the tax rate at a reasonable level. This recognition combines with my perspective from more than 50 years of almost continuous service in one or another Town office or committee membership to make me think I still can contribute to the good of Andover’s citizens.

The current Budget Committee consists of a healthy variety of capable people who work well together, take the mission seriously, and have constructive relationships with the Selectmen and School Board. I ask you voters to let me continue serving with this group.

Looking to the future, I encourage younger citizens to think about serving on the Budget Committee as mine and other seats become vacant. There is no other volunteer position in which one can be involved with or learn so much about what goes on in Andover and in which one may hope to have a little beneficial influence in so many possible directions.