messaging

Andover selectman incumbent faces challenge from newcomer

By Crystal Bozek and Courtney Paquette
Staff Writers

Eagle Tribune

ANDOVER — She has been on the Board of Selectmen for close to eight years, but Tuesday Mary Lyman will face her first challenger for her seat.

Lyman faces off against Peter Cotch, a local attorney, who said he is not satisfied with the way Andover has been run, saying officials have spent too much, leading to large budget shortfalls. Lyman, on the other hand, contends elected officials have tried their best, but are up against a wall as health insurance and energy costs continue to rise.

Cotch is running on a platform of opposition to any new taxes — whether they come in the form of a tax override or the Community Preservation Act.

This news clip from the Eagle Tribune could be from any town in Massachusetts. More than 40 years of anti-government messaging have convinced many a learned soul that if there’s a problem with their town, it’s the fault of the local officials – the townfolk who have stepped up to serve as local government. Of course this ignores the reality that 10 years of tax cuts in Massachusetts have resulted in deep cuts to the local aid and Chapter 70 education funds cities and towns have long relied on. And, as Lyman points out, it ignores the reality of rising costs of fuel and health insurance.