Andover Candidate Profile: Stephen Prochniak For Select Board

ANDOVER, MA — Andover will have several contested races in the March 24 town election, including contested races for School Committee, Select Board and town moderator. Andover Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles over the coming weeks.

Stephen Prochniak is running for election to the Select Board. He is challenging the current chair of the board, Laura Gregory, who is running for re-election. Prochniak is a student at the University of Massachusetts Boston and a national guard military police officer.

Are you running for office in Andover? Contact Christopher Huffaker at chris.huffaker@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate profile and submitting campaign announcements to Andover Patch.

Previously on Patch: Ten File To Run In 2020 Andover Town Election

Stephen Prochniak

Age (as of Election Day)

21

Position Sought

Select Board Member

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Student, University of Massachusetts Boston

Occupation

National Guard Military Police, 4 years and counting

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

Still in development! Please reach out at our email, steveforselectboard2020@gmail.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

Andover as a community was there for me in some of the most difficult periods of my life. After the 2018 gas disaster, I found my passion in service to my community, and feel that I can make change for the betterment of all Andover residents. I want to give back to the town that gave me so much.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Taxation, and spending, hands down. Residents and businesses have approached me with extreme concern about their increasing rates.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I will be far more critical regarding reasons to change the tax rate. In recent years, the town has hired and spent at an increasing rate. If it can be proved that this spending is absolutely necessary, fine, but I want it to be proved to me beyond any shadow of a doubt that this will bring a real positive change that Andover residents can actually see.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I don't find this question to be in the spirit of a town election. We are here for the betterment of this community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Participation in town government: We all know that the voter participation, both in the open town meeting, and annual town election is critically low. It's beating a dead horse, but the town level is where the real decisions that affect YOU are made. I patiently await the recommendation of the town governance study, but I already know this: something needs to change.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In my time in the armed forces, I've learned the value of transparent leadership in a stressful situation. I think I can bring those life lessons to the table here in Andover.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Win or lose, I'm here for you. Please reach out with your community concerns at steveforselectboard2020@gmail.com.

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