Andover Candidate Forum: Gregory, Doherty Make Their Cases

ANDOVER, MA — Andover's three School Committee candidates faced of Thursday night in a forum at Andover High School. Town Moderator Sheila Doherty and Select Board Chair Laura Gregory shared their views on why they should be re-elected. Gregory's challenger Stephen Prochniak was unavailable but had the hosts read a statement, while Doherty is running unopposed.

The three candidates for School Committee also appeared. See previously: School Committee Candidates On Start Times, Mental Health, More.

The forum was hosted by Greater Andover Indivisible and Freedom From Fear, the Andover High School chapter of March For Our Lives. Candidates made opening statements, and took questions from the audience and from Leah Parrot of Freedom From Fear.

The annual town election is March 24.

The full forum is available here from Andover TV.

Previously on Patch:

Nine Candidates In 2020 Andover Town Election

Andover Candidate Profile: Sheila Doherty For Town Moderator

Andover Candidate Profile: Stephen Prochniak For Selectman

Sheila Doherty

Doherty is running unchallenged for a 14th term as town moderator. She argued that while she is unopposed, it is still important for voters to mark their ballots for her.

"It's important that each of the voters in town make a statement," Doherty said. "Stop and think, do I want this person to continue in this position? Do I think that what they're doing is a good job, and is what they're doing valuable to our town?"

The town moderator moderates the town meeting and appoints the Finance Committee, which makes recommendations regarding the budget.

Doherty argued she is a good fit for the role, saying she could remain impartial, "shoulder the agitation of some folks at the town meeting," and bring the meeting through the warrant.

Parrot asked Doherty whether she had plans to improve town meeting attendance. Doherty answered that she and the town would keep people informed about town meeting and the issues being considered.

"The finance committee which is appointed by the town moderator is generally viewed as quite fiscally conservative. Do you agree with that assessment and if so what would you do to broaden the perspective?" Parrot asked.

"I don't agree they're conservative. I think they're fiscally prudent," Doherty said. "Every department should have everything they need and some of what they'd like, and nobody should get everything they want."

Doherty said she wanted people on the committee to "look objectively at the budget" and not have agendas.

Laura Gregory

Gregory centered her pitch on having brought civility to the Select Board.

"Three years ago, I ran for election to focus the board back to a body that can work together," Gregory said. "I am pleased that today, the Select Board is one that works together, even in times of differing views."

Gregory also touted a number of achievements of the town in recent years, including the North Reading water agreement, the new Ballardville fire station and advancing the Old Town Yard sale, which will go before the annual town meeting.

Parrot asked Gregory about overcrowding and other issues at the high school and redevelopment of the Historic Mill District. Gregory noted that the school was more of a School Committee and Building Committee responsibility, but said the board would soon address another request to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for funding. Regarding the Historic Mill District, she again referenced the Old Town Yard, which is the piece of the District the town owns.

In response to a question from an audience member, Gregory said she would like to see the local election and presidential primary be combined in years where they coincide, like this year. It would likely be cheaper and could result in lower turnout, the questioner noted.

Gregory also touted recent sustainability work, including creating a sustainability coordinator and advancing Community Choice Aggregation to town meeting.

Stephen Prochniak

Prochniak was unavailable for the forum, "due to work and military obligations," but had the hosts read a statement on his behalf. Prochniak said he was glad that residents had the opportunity to meet the field of candidates.

"My goal is to bring a voice of fiscal responsibility to the board," Prochniak said.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.cm.