As an active resident and business owner of Andover for the last 10 years, I attend Town Meeting regularly. It is a wonderful town to live in, and I enjoy very much seeing how many of our residents, friends, and guests admire and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding nature and the way this little paradise is cared for. The Town Beach is a treat during all seasons, the streets are well-maintained, our parks and cemeteries are well kept, and all of these elements create the larger picture of an ideal town.

Last year, Andover employed two part-time employees to keep our public spaces in good condition. However, it has been determined that it requires more time and work to keep our town, streets, parks, and beaches in shape.

At Town Meeting, it was disturbing to hear the heated discussion about the options to employ and pay these great guys a full-time salary with benefits or to hire a third part-time employee in order to avoid paying well-deserved employee benefits.

Another issue that arose from this Town Meeting is even more mind-boggling. While there is an acute need for a fire truck suitable to reach forest fires, some residents find it acceptable for our firefighters to use their personal vehicles to head into the woods to address the fire zones and risk damage to their trucks at their own expense.

As residents of this wonderful community, we all expect personal protection and property protection from the town’s fire department and police department. We need to consider with respect the people who serve us and the town so diligently. Without them, Andover wouldn’t remain the beautiful and safe hometown it represents for all of us.

Finally, I am pleased that both measures passed despite the opposition.

Pecco Beaufays