Candidate Profile: Joe Finn For North Andover Select Board

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover will have two contested races in the March 30 town election: School Committee and Board of Selectmen. North Andover Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles over the coming weeks.

Joe Finn is running for a seat on the Select Board. There are three people running for two available seats. Finn faces the incumbent Richard Vaillancourt and fellow challenger Janice Phillips.

Finn is a retired special agent with the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General.

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

Previously on Patch: North Andover Election Guide: When, Where, How To Vote

Joe Finn

Age (as of Election Day)

60

Position Sought

Select Board

Family

Wife Nancy Oakes Finn. Sons Michael (28), Drew (22), Derek (18). My wife's father was the popular selectman Fred Oakes, for whom a street (Oakes Drive) and the lectern in the Select Board Meeting Room are named, and for whom the old police station was dedicated.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes. My wife serves as a Health and Human Resource Management Specialist for the U.S. Postal Service.

Education

MBA from Providence College and BA in Business Management from Assumption University

Occupation

Executive Area Special Agent in Charge, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Service - 1994-2014 (Retired)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

NA

Campaign website

https://www.finnfornorthandover.com/

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am concerned about the rapid growth of our town and the material impact on the adequacy and delivery of the Town's municipal services and environment including: public schools; emergency public safety resources including police and the fire departments; water, sewer, and roadway infrastructure; agricultural viability of the Town's remaining farmland; and motor vehicle traffic. I am also interested in exploring ways of providing our senior citizens with affordable housing options.

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

I think the most pressing issue for our board is the impact on the adequacy and delivery of the Town's municipal services and environment due to rapid growth of high-density housing in our town. In response, I plan to file a warrant article to be included in the upcoming Annual Town Meeting proposing (1) a temporary 2-year moratorium on multi-family dwellings; and (2) the Town to conduct a comprehensive study to determine the impact of recent increase in the construction of multi-family dwellings on the adequacy of the Town's municipal services and environment. [Note: The Town's ability to seek compliance with Massachusetts General Law 40B, Affordable Housing, is not impacted by the moratorium]

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

Not known. However, I am hoping the Select Board, in certain circumstances, will adhere to a policy of trust but verify information provided to them (through investigations) as authorized under the Town Charter.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

Very good. In particular, town communications have been excellent, and officials have done a very good job of communicating to senior citizens those opportunities available to them to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Bring more business to North Andover
Meet 10% state requirement for affordable housing without causing congestion and school overcrowding
Protect/Expand Open Space, Natural Resources, and Recreational Facilities
Reduce vehicular congestion and improve safety along key travel corridors and along neighborhood streets

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

I have executive-level experience in budgeting, human resources, procurement, labor relations, and policy making over an approximate 30-year public servant career. I served in numerous leadership positions in Postal Service Operations including Postmaster, Tour Superintendent, Area Manager, Customer Services Manager, and Labor Relations Representative. In addition, I served as the Executive Area Special Agent in Charge for the Northeast Area Field Office, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Service.

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

My wife (Nancy Oakes) and I raised three sons in North Andover. All three to graduate from North Andover High School, just as Nancy had. I have been involved in the community for most of my 21 years in North Andover coaching baseball and basketball for 15 consecutive years. I am committed to our Town and our Schools, and I understand how important community is for our families.

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