Town Meeting this year went just fine, pretty much. The budget passed, residents spoke their collective piece. The Select Board, Moderator, Supervisors of the Checklist, and other Town officers and volunteers all made it easy for voters to participate in our annual March festivities.

One comment: there was much talk about the state of the roads and the Highway Department labor force. Although the second Tuesday in March is the time to conduct the business of the Town, missing was discussion about the funds needed. Yes, figures were presented in the detailed budget. 

But how much would it actually take to complete the fixes requested? And right now, this summer, this year? Much more than the town can afford, that’s for sure. In the meantime, temporary work has to stand until the roads fall into the schedule — and there is a schedule. 

The Highway Department is doing its level best to maintain, under Kevin Duval’s able guidance, the roads and highways in Andover. Knock on wood, we’ve survived winter, and soon the frost heaves will give way . . . to mud. Thank you, Kevin and crew, for keeping us safe on our country roads.