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Selectmen
Demand Fair Treatment As reported in the Valley Patriot last week, (Senior Centers, Open Your Doors) the Andover and North Andover Senior Centers have a double standard policy regarding access to political candidates at these facilities. Current office holders are routinely holding “office hours” at the centers while candidates challenging those incumbents are stuck outside with their faces pressed up against the glass. The Valley Patriot editorial called for an end to the unfair policy two weeks ago, prompting North Andover resident Ted Tripp to speak at this weeks Board of Selectmen meeting. Tripp held up the Valley Patriot asking why challengers are not allowed into the facility to campaign while incumbents are inside stumping for votes. After a lengthy discussion the North Andover Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to demand an open door policy at the North Andover Senior Center. Selectmen Jim Xenakis said that a letter will be sent immediately to Irene O’Brien, Director of the Center, demanding full access to all candidates. “It’s only fair. Since taxpayers dollars are being used to fund the senior center we must allow equal access to all candidates,” Xenakis said. “Why should incumbents monopolize on their accessibility to seniors. Seniors are very important part of the voting block and they deserve to have access to all candidates. I assume Town Manager Mark Reese called the center today and informed them that all candidates must be allowed in immediately. But a letter will go out this week I am sure.”
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