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Endorsements NAU’s research shows that Stan Limpert and Chris Nobile are the best candidates for School Committee because they demonstrate the following:
In stark contrast to Mr. Limpert and Mr. Nobile is the third candidate for School Committee, Michael Quinlan. Mr. Quinlan does not demonstrate the important qualifications listed above. He calls for higher standards, lower budgets with no realistic means to achieve these oft stated goals. Amazingly, he has signed a petition to abolish the Massachusetts state income tax and, when asked, could not explain how North Andover schools would be funded without any state income tax. Equally disconcerting is the fact that Mr. Quinlan seeks a seat on the School Committee, yet he has chosen not to educate any of his five children in North Andover public schools and instead home-schools them. ................................................................................................................. Dear Neighbor, We have been asked many times these past weeks to comment on and make recommendations to our members about the upcoming Town Election. As you know, we are not shy about stating our opinions. Taxpayers United for the Future (TUFF) was created, in part, to make certain that our elected and appointed leaders serve in the best interests of their constituency. TUFF's mandate also includes researching and providing information to both our public officials and our membership to assist them in making reasoned choices effecting North Andover's future. Recognizing the vital importance of this transitional election, the TUFF Steering Committee has decided to recommend those candidates whom we believe are most skilled and capable of fulfilling the promise of our Town. We respectfully ask your consideration of our recommendations for the following offices at Town Elections on Tuesday, March 25th. For School Committee There are two open seats for School Committee. The schools continue to deal with significant hurdles and the School Committee is facing the most important decision any school committee makes-choosing a new Superintendent of Schools. Running for office this year are Stanley Limpert, Christopher Nobile, and Michael Quinlan. We recommend that Stanley Limpert and Christopher Nobile receive your two votes for School Committee. Stan Limpert is a long time school and community activist. A member of the School Committee's Facility Review Committee, former North Andover High School instructor, long time Boy Scout leader, father of two including a daughter currently in our schools and another a graduate of NAHS, MIT trained engineer, and business executive, he deserves your support. His campaign has been centered on the idea of "Team Work" to improve our schools, so the school committee can fulfill its duties as an advocate for public education. Stan's priorities are choosing an outstanding Superintendent of Schools, unifying the K-12 curriculum, supporting and completing a more comprehensive accounting system to track detailed expenses, and improving and streamlining the budgeting process for our schools. Chris Nobile has been a frequent attendee at School Committee meetings. He is the father of three, including one child attending Atkinson Elementary School and another who will be entering school in the fall. Chris is a financial executive and coach for the North Andover Soccer Association. He is stressing a solutions-oriented approach to solving problems on behalf of our students and is touting new initiatives to make education affordable and a focal point for our Town. Chris's priorities are maintaining high school accreditation, supporting curriculum initiatives for the elementary schools, and negotiating fair and competitive school contracts. Mike Quinlan is a software professional and father of five, who home schools his children. With no background whatsoever with the North Andover school system either as a parent or as an active participant in the school community, we feel strongly that he does not bring important experience and knowledge to the position of School Committee member. We find his views on our teachers, class sizes, and the funding of North Andover's schools to be off the mark. For Selectmen There
are two open seats for Selectmen. It is no secret that TUFF
believes that through the years the Board of Selectmen has been
generally less supportive of the issues and interests of the
North Andover Public Schools We recommend that Tracy Watson and Richard Nardella receive your two votes for Selectmen. Tracy Watson has been an active member of the School Committee's Facilities Planning Committee, appointed member of the North Andover Housing Authority, a lifelong resident, parent of a child entering the Thomson school next year, a professional housing executive and a part-time college instructor. We are particularly impressed with her listening skills and the promise to be a voice for all interests in our community. Tracy's priorities are responsible commercial growth along Routes 125 and 114, revitalization of the downtown, fair tax classification, and investment in an appropriate early childhood facility. Rick
Nardella was a member of the planning group that recommended
the building of a new High School, a long time member of the
Planning Board and is a financial and compliance executive for
public companies. He is the father of three adult daughters,
all graduates of the North Andover Pubic Schools, including
one who is a public school teacher living in town. Rick's priority
is "smart growth". He has stated that the single best
thing he can do for the schools is to secure long term and sustainable
revenue by Donald Stewart is a former 15-year Selectmen and Joseph Smith is a State Engineer. Historically, neither has shown strong support for our schools. In addition, Stewart and Smith have failed to put forward any new ideas or substantive initiatives, in stark contrast to the thoughtful and detailed identification of town priorities provided by Watson and Nardella. Again, because of their professional management experience, commitment to public service, sustained community involvement, track records of open and honest communication, and their ability to envision and execute practical and responsible solutions, we recommend your support of Stanley Limpert and Christopher Nobile for School Committee, and Tracy Watson and Richard Nardella for Board of Selectmen. Are you interested in receiving information regarding the ballot question - whether or not we should retain Open Town Meeting? Please write back and tell us your opinion on this issue and whether you would find a recommendation helpful. Be sure to vote on Tuesday March 25th. Polls are open at the High School from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Absentee ballots may be secured by calling the Town Clerk at (978) 688-9501 or by visiting Town Hall on Main Street. We also suggest, if you have not already done so, that you consider visiting the North Andover United (NAU) website for candidate profiles and to register for email updates about town and state-related current events and issues. To access the site, click on this direct link: http://www.votesmartna.org/ Sincerely, Please pass this e-mail along to others. Thank you! |
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