Is Andover’s town meeting working for you? Are you able to keep up with all the budget, zoning and other issues facing the town? Are you able to spend multiple weekday evenings each year, for three or four hours each night, at town meetings? If your answer to any of these questions is no, you are not alone.
Signing a petition to form a charter commission is the first step in providing Andover residents with the opportunity to consider a more democratic town structure that better serves all of us.
Why Change Our Form of Government?
While Open Town Meeting served Andover well for many years, with Andover’s growth from a small farming community to a Town of over 36,000 people, Town Meeting has become inefficient (e.g., frequent, lengthy and costly meetings), ineffective (e.g., not suited for thoughtful deliberation on complex issues) and unrepresentative (e.g., poorly attended and not reflective of our large and diverse town). The first night of the 2025 Annual Town Meeting was attended by fewer than 2% of registered voters. By the end of the second night, fewer than 1% of registered voters were in attendance.
What is the Process for Changing Our Form of Government?
Andover’s form of government can be changed by Andover’s voters creating a Charter Commission and then approving the Commission’s recommendations to frame a new Town charter. To put the question of creating a Charter Commission on the ballot, approximately 4,000 registered voters must sign our petition. We’ve already gathered about 3,000 signatures and will need another 1,000 to put the question on the next local election ballot.
What are the Alternatives to Our Form of Government?
In addition to Open Town Meeting, the other alternatives allowed under State law are: Representative Town Meeting; Council/Manager; and Council/Mayor. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and it will be the job of the Charter Commission to recommend for voter approval which best serves the needs of Andover’s residents.
How can I Get Involved?
First, please sign the petition – see link above.
Second, please consider taking a petition form and gathering the signatures of your friends, family and neighbors in Andover.
Third, please consider donating to offset the costs of this effort