Letters-to-the-Editor

The following letters were sent by the LWV board to local newspapers or to public officials to advocate and educate about the League's position on current issues.

Tri-Board Meeting.  Casino Gambling.  N. Andover Town Meeting 2007.  Andover Town Meeting 2007.  Non-Partisan Policy.  Household Goods.  Clean Energy.  Wetlands Protection.  Andover Town Meeting 2006.  Andover Landfill.  Affordable Housing.  Improving Town Meeting.

Long-Range Financial Planning 11/2/07

Editor, Andover Townsman

At the Tri-Board meeting on Thursday, November 1, the Long-Range Financial Planning Subcommittees presented a budget model for fiscal years 2009 through 2011. The news is not good. But this group, comprised of representatives from the School Committee, Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee, has shown innovation and leadership by getting together during the summer and early fall to work on a three year budget projection for Andover. We commend the committee for trying a new approach that removes the budget process from the last-minute urgency of the past and allows for a thoughtful planning process using the new budget model. Kudos to all of the individuals who have put in countless hours before the official budget process has even begun. Their efforts will ultimately help to provide the voters of Andover with solid information about the choices necessary to balance the budget for the next three years. It's easy to complain and to place blame about the fiscal realities we and many other municipalities are facing in Massachusetts and across the nation. In Andover, we are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of people willing to collaborate and work together to come up with solutions to these very difficult problems. The next Tri-Board meeting is scheduled for December 3 at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Room. I urge you to attend or tune in on local cable.

Stefani Traina Goldshein, President League of Women Voters of Andover/North Andover

Oppose Casino Gambling, 6/2007

Editor, Andover Townsman (6/14/07):
Editor, North Andover Citizen (6/15/07):
Editor, Eagle-Tribune (6/26/07):

On behalf of the League of Women Voters of Andover/North Andover, I am writing to express serious concerns about the current attempts to legalize casino gambling in Massachusetts. Under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, if Class III gambling is legalized in Massachusetts, any recognized Native American Tribe can also engage in the same level of gambling. One tribe is currently recognized in Massachusetts, however, six more await federal recognition.

Our state's budget problems need long-term solutions; however, gambling is no substitute for an equitable tax system or a reasonable tax policy. Gambling revenues are an inequitable and regressive kind of tax as well as an unreliable source of revenue. The estimated $400 million to be raised in "new revenues" by legalizing slot machines in Massachusetts will mostly come from working families and senior citizens, and they will have to lose over $2 billion for the state to reap the $400 million in revenue.

The experience of other communities in states where casino gambling is allowed has shown that there are considerable costs associated with hosting a casino--new infrastructure to support the increased traffic, public safety impacts, school costs, and an increase in criminal activity, as well. These and the social costs associated with casino gambling will be borne by taxpayers, gamblers and non-gamblers alike, not by the casino industry.

According to a May 2004 article in The Hartford Courant, gambling addiction to slot machines is linked to speed. The faster one plays, the higher the likelihood that one will eventually play recklessly and out of control, thereby losing money rapidly. Today's slot machines are meticulously designed computers that generate precise profits and deliberately create a false sense of "near wins" and regular small payoffs to create an illusion of sporting chance. They are the most addictive form of gambling ever devised.

According to the National Gambling Impact Study Commission Report commissioned by the U.S. Congress in 1999, 1 out of every 20 people who live within 50 miles of a casino becomes a gambling addict. These addicted gamblers are very lucrative for the casino industry, but their addiction too often leads to crime, distressed families, suicide and bankruptcy.

The League of Women Voters promotes strong communities and believes that casino gambling will not strengthen communities in Massachusetts. We encourage all residents to contact Governor Patrick and our legislators about this issue before it is too late.

-Stefani Traina Goldshein, President, LWV of Andover/North Andover

North Andover Town Meeting, 5/2007

Editor, Eagle Tribune (5/9/07):
Editor, North Andover Citizen (5/11/07):

The League of Women Voters of Andover/North Andover encourages the voters of North Andover to attend the upcoming Town Meeting on Monday, May 14, 7:00 p.m. at North Andover High School. Many important issues will be discussed and decided, among them the annual budget, a bylaw asking for a demolition delay for certain properties, and zoning changes for the former Lucent property.

Open Town Meeting gives every voter an opportunity to have input in decisions that affect the entire town. Becoming informed about the issues before Town Meeting is an essential part of the process. The warrant is available online at http://www.townofnorthandover.com.

The League of Women Voters promotes political responsibility through the informed and active participation of citizens in government.

-Stefani Traina Goldshein, President
-Susan Dennett, Units Coordinator
LWV Andover/North Andover

Andover Town Meeting - League Positions, 4/19/2007

Editor, Andover Townsman:

The League of Women Voters of Andover/North Andover has discussed Andover's upcoming Town Meeting and Special Town Meeting Warrant articles and supports the following:

• Article 33 Community Preservation Act. This would place a small surcharge on property taxes to establish a fund dedicated to open space and recreation, historic preservation and affordable housing. Exemptions would ensure that low or moderate income residents would either pay nothing or very little. Andover would qualify for State matching funds, which could be used to pay for projects we will have to pay for anyway. Andover could also leverage other grant monies, which other towns have done very successfully.
• Articles 24 Youth Center (2) Land Transfer, and Special Town Meeting Article 1 Youth Center. We support these two articles which would allow a youth center to be built behind Doherty Middle School. The League encourages green technology in the building design and shared use of the building by other community groups. We also acknowledge that there will be considerable operating costs associated with the completed building once the town takes it over, and that additional revenue sources will be needed to fund these.
• Articles 27 and 29 will continue enhancements to the current Senior Center, specifically the construction of a patio and four-season sunroom.
• Article 39 Pedestrian Foot Bridge across the Shawsheen River.
• Article 48, Mixed Use District Zoning Bylaw to limit the size of any single establishment in the Mixed Use District to 65,000 sq. feet.
• Article 49, the Design Review Bylaw.
• Article 53, Wetland Protection General Bylaw--The League prefers 500 sq. feet for free standing structures as printed in the Warrant.
• Article 54 Andover Salt Balance Study
• Article 6, 15 Blanchard Street--A Special Town Meeting article which would authorize the Town to purchase the 12.92 acres at 15 Blanchard Street. Even though this means taking on additional long-term debt, this is a unique opportunity for the Town.

The League encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government. Town Meeting begins on Monday, April 23, and continues on Tuesday, April 24. It begins at 7:00 p.m. in the AHS Collins Field House. If a third night is necessary, it will be held on Monday, April 30, 7:00 p.m. in the Collins Center auditorium.

-Stefani Traina Goldshein, President, LWV Andover/N. Andover

LWV Non-Partisan Policy, 1/2007

Editor, Eagle Tribune, 1/14/2007
Editor, Andover Townsman, 1/18/2007
Editor, North Andover Citizen, 1/19/2007:

The League of Women Voters encourages citizens to run for elected office but does not endorse specific candidates. As election season approaches, we would like to clarify the League's voter service efforts and nonpartisan policy.

In an effort to provide support to all candidates, the League organizes candidate debates and provides opportunities to educate the public about the issues. The League does not discourage the political activity of its individual members as long as they are acting as individuals and not on behalf of the League. The President, Voter Service Chair and the League itself do not endorse candidates and always remain strictly nonpartisan.

Running for office is a generous offer on the part of all candidates, and the League looks forward to helping all candidates get their message out to the public. The deadline to pick up nomination papers for elected office in North Andover is February 2 by 4:30 p.m. They must be filed with the Town Clerk's office by February 6.

-Stefani Traina Goldshein, President, LWV Andover/N. Andover

Donating Household Goods, 12/18/2006

Editor, Andover Townsman:

While walking my dog on this disturbingly balmy evening, I happened on a beautiful set of living room furniture that a neighbor had just carefully pulled to the curbside, minus pillows (a clue that it was for rubbish pickup). When asked, they said they didn't know of anyone who would pick up the furniture for reuse. Realizing that this is a common problem, I want to share some suggestions for all who are sprucing up their homes for the holidays, or having difficulty closing their closet doors.

The Andover Recycling Committee has an excellent website: http://www.Andoverma.gov/recycle. Scroll to the bottom of the page, click on "reuse", and a fantastic list appears, with contact information for organizations that will find new home for books, toys, bikes, furniture, clothing, linens, appliances, building materials, eyeglasses, computers and a host of other items. Many of the organizations are well-known--Lazarus House, Salvation Army, Big Brothers/Big Sisters but others may be less familiar, such as Andover-based Project Home Again (PHA).

Under the leadership of Nancy Kanell, PHA works with social service agencies throughout the Merrimack Valley to provide their neediest families with furnishings, dishes, baby furniture, dressers and other daily necessities at no cost to the recipients. As an all-volunteer group, PHA is able to take even the simplest donations, such as five plates, two bowls and a frying pan, and provide them directly to a family with no dishes at all, instead of rejecting them or shipping them to distant locales. Forever Green Lawn and Landscape donates a truck and labor over the winter months to help PHA move furnishings from donor to recipients, and donations can also be brought directly to the warehouse. At times, PHA also works with social service agencies to pick up items from donors and move them directly to a family's dwelling. PHA's website, http://www.projecthomeagain.bravehost.com provides details and links to additional groups who may need your excess belongings.

The holiday season provides a wonderful opportunity to take care of each other and to protect our planet at the same time. Before you throw things away, take a moment to consider who else might be able to use them. Recycling is terrific, but enabling others to directly reuse items can be even more beneficial to us, our communities, and our environment.

-Amy Janovsky Chair, Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee League of Women Voters of Andover/North Andover

Clean Energy, 12/18/2006

Editor, Townsman:

As you make your New Year's resolutions, please consider a simple move that will:

1. help slow global warming
2. qualify for a tax deduction
3. help promote the development of "green" energy in Massachusetts
4. earn matching grants for solar energy and wind projects here in Andover
5. earn matching funds for local low-income renewable energy projects

Here's how:

Go to http://www.cleanenergychoice.org, click on the community link and select Andover.

This enables you to participate in National Grid's GreenUp program, and to select the specific types of renewable energy that you favor. Choose an option that favors "new sources" to promote the development of new renewable energy capacity in Massachusetts and New England. Several options also permit a federal tax deduction for the additional $5 to $12 per month that you'll spend by selecting the GreenUp option. So far, Andover has accrued more than $11,000 in the matching grants account, which has provided "Big Belly" solar-powered trash compactors for the town. If we increase > participation, we'll increase funds that could go toward photovoltaics for a school, or a windmill to produce electricity for the town. Think big, think green, and check off the renewable energy box on your electric bill or visit http://www.cleanenergychoice.org.

And don't forget the "Change a Light" challenge. Every regular incandescent light bulb you replace with a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) will prevent nearly 500 pounds of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere over the life of the bulb. CFLs use 1/3 the energy, create the same amount of light with 70% less heat, last up to 10 times longer, and save you money. This is one simple way for each household to help halt global warming - change a light bulb (or better yet, ten!). Go to http://www.energystar.gov, use the dropdown menu to find the Town of Andover, and Take the PLEDGE. And urge your friends and family to make the switch, too!

Wishing you a cooler New Year that lets us enjoy winter sports in New England!

- Amy Janovsky, Chair, Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee League of Women Voters Andover/North Andover

Wetlands Protection, 7/26/2006

Rachel Freed
DEP Northeast Regional Office
Bureau of Resource Protection, Wetlands Division
205B Lowell Street
Wilmington, MA 01887

Dear Ms. Freed,

The League of Women Voters of Andover/North Andover (LWV) has a strong position in support of environmental protection and sustainability. In light of this position, at our recent Town Meeting we strongly opposed a private article that would have rescinded the Andover Wetlands Protection Bylaw, which has been an effective local planning tool since 1999. Like most nearby towns, Andover is nearly built out; prime parcels are scarce, and land that was previously unbuildable due to septic unsuitability is now developable because of Town sewer extensions to large areas of town. The increase in impermeable surfaces continues, and runoff patterns are shifting as new areas are developed.

In this year's extreme rainstorms, Andover sustained a great deal of damage due to flooding. In many parts of town, this consisted of flooded basements and yards; in others, buildings were damaged and some remain uninhabitable. Local roads were damaged as well, disrupting travel for several weeks. Our experience is not unique, but it speaks loudly to the need to protect our existing wetlands and to consider runoff and drainage impacts as local development continues and severe storms become more frequent. On many parcels, large additions to existing buildings are proposed, and the popularity of adding in-ground swimming pools continues. Both of these types of construction exacerbate drainage issues. Andover's Conservation Commission does an excellent job of reviewing proposed projects under the Wetlands Protection Bylaw, and in most cases, homeowners are able to proceed with acceptable projects.

The League of Women Voters is watching the current situation at 3 Hazelwood Circle with some concern, as it appears to be a case where the wetlands in question have not been adequately protected due to a combination of factors that DEP is currently reviewing. We ask that DEP consider the precedent that this situation will create before determining what remedies to require. There are countless projects around town, both approved and envisioned, that will continue to cause incremental loss of wetlands. When a developer or homeowner works with the Conservation Commission, as required, these losses can be minimized and managed; when they do not, the Town has little recourse. In the latter situations, the Commonwealth must step in to enforce the laws for the public good, with meaningful penalties. Otherwise, project proponents learn that the laws are irrelevant, and those who have spent time and money to comply with the law feel they have been treated unfairly.

The LWV requests that your decision in this case be a clear message that wetlands regulations protect the environment and the public interest and are not to be flouted.

Sincerely,

- Stefani Traina Goldshein President, League of Women Voters of Andover/North Andover

- Amy Janovsky, Chair, Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee

Andover Town Meeting -- League Positions, 4/10/2006

Editor, Andover Townsman:

The League of Women Voters of Andover/North Andover has taken the following positions on three warrant articles before the upcoming Town Meeting.

The League opposes the repeal of the Wetlands Protection Bylaw (Article 40) as we believe to do so would be a disservice to Andover residents. Wetlands are a crucial resource, providing essential wildlife habitat, protecting our drinking water, and preventing flooding. We think this is a case where the greater good should outweigh any possible personal benefit, and the League thinks that this bylaw is for the greater good.

The League supports an active open-space land acquisition program and therefore supports the request to provide funds to enable the Conservation Commission to make timely offers as opportunities for land acquisition arise (Article 23). Additional open space enhances our community by preserving natural resources and providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The League supports the audit committee article (Article 44) that 1) adopts a bylaw to establish an audit committee and 2) allows representatives from three town boards, Select Board, Finance Committee and School Committee, to be members of the audit committee. The League thinks that the audit committee would institute a level of oversight that increases accountability and responsiveness in our town government.

The League encourages all registered voters to attend Town Meeting; in addition to being informative, it is often a stimulating demonstration of participatory democracy at its finest. We remind citizens that when speaking at Town Meeting, moderator rules dictate that the speaker disclose any financial or other interest he or she may have in the article under consideration.

-Peggy Kruse, President, LWV Andover/N. Andover

West Andover Landfill, 12/13/2005

Editor, Andover Townsman:

The League of Women Voters of Andover/North Andover thinks that concerns about potential health issues should be addressed prior to capping the West Andover landfill.

The landfill was used for the disposal of industrial wastes and residential municipal wastes for many years prior to being closed in the 1970s. A former quarry, the landfill is 50 to 70 feet deep and much of its contents are located in the groundwater. This groundwater flows through the landfill and is discharged to the Fish Brook watershed, which is a source of the Town's drinking water. What are the results of recent tests by environmental consultant Camp Dresser & McKee? Do these results support the position that groundwater discharge from the landfill is not harmful to human or animal health?

A further concern is whether the makeup of the groundwater-borne contaminants will change over time. A recent Townsman article shows pictures of steel drums in the landfill vicinity. Assuming that these surface drums indicate the presence of buried drums, and that some drums have yet to rust through, do we know what industrial wastes may still be added to the groundwater contaminants when the drums fail?

There appears to be agreement that the landfill should be capped, but capping does not prevent groundwater from flowing through the landfill. Will a liner or some form of landfill leachate treatment be required to prevent contaminants from being discharged from the landfill? As the DEP has yet to approve the final landfill closure plan, it would seem fiscally prudent to determine if the final plan requires a liner prior to spending millions of dollars to cap the landfill.

The Public Involvement Plan (PIP) recently filed by several Andover residents requires a public disclosure of information concerning the landfill. The League endorses a public discussion of these issues.

-Peggy Kruse, President, LWV Andover/N. Andover

Affordable Housing, 9/17/2005

Editor, Andover Townsman:

The League of Women Voters of Andover/North Andover urges voters at the upcoming Special Town Meeting to support the Affordable Housing Trust article. Affordable housing benefits our community by allowing our teachers, firefighters and retirees to be our neighbors. While affordable housing is a worthy goal in itself, maintaining at least 10% affordable housing also gives Andover the opportunity to guide and/or set limits on Chapter 40B (affordable housing) projects.

Last spring's Town Meeting authorized the Town to create an Affordable Housing Trust. This fall's Town Meeting asks voters to approve bylaws for the Trust. The Affordable Housing bylaw article spells out the decision-making process for the Trust; for example, how Trustees are appointed and the approval process for transferring Trust funds.

The purpose of the Affordable Housing Trust is to create an account separate from the Town's general funds in which monies earmarked for affordable housing can be deposited. These affordable housing funds come from a variety of sources. One source is government and foundation money, and Andover will receive its first allocation of affordable housing funds from the North Shore HOME consortium this fall. Another source is the rare instance when a currently designated "affordable" house sells at market rate; the equity gained from the sale (the difference between the market rate and the "affordable" rate) will be deposited into the Trust fund.

To help ensure that Andover continues to benefit from affordable housing, the League encourages all voters to support this timely article at the September 27 Town Meeting.

-Peggy Kruse, President, LWV Andover/N. Andover

Improving Town Meeting, 5/6/2005

Editor, Andover Townsman:

Fresh from our recently concluded Town Meeting, the League of Women Voters of Andover/North Andover would like to offer the following suggestions for future Town Meetings: 1) reinstating the use of Pro and Con microphones, especially for hotly-debated issues such as the Senior Center, to ensure that both sides of the debate are fairly represented; 2) time limits for speakers consisting of five minutes for the presenters and two minutes per audience member, to facilitate input from as many citizens as possible; and 3) reminders to speakers who veer off topic to focus their remarks on the issue at hand in the belief that shorter, focused discussions promote better decisions.

The League thinks that implementation of these suggestions will give everyone a fair and equal opportunity to speak and will give voters the benefit of many viewpoints.

-Peggy Kruse, President, LWV Andover/N. Andover

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