LEADERSHIP FOR ANDOVER'S FUTURE

MIKE SCHMITZ

My name is Mike Schmitz and I’m a candidate for Andover City Council. My wife and I have been residents of Andover since 2013. Her parents have lived in Andover for over 30 years. We are parents to two young children and know the value of safe communities, schools, and neighborhoods where businesses and families can thrive. Having lived and worked in different states across the South and the East Coast, I’ve encountered many different communities. I've found there is one thing they all have in common: you can’t put a price on the safety and security of the community where you raise a family.

I’m running for Andover City Council because, as a husband, father, and longtime resident I want to maintain Andover’s City status as a safe city with great schools.

LEADERSHIP FOR ANDOVER'S FUTURE

Infrastructure

Public safety is a primary concern when it comes to infrastructure. The ability for emergency vehicles to access any part of Andover in an effective way in order for residents to get the help they need is crucial. Other basic needs such as providing enough clean water to Andover residents and businesses, must also be addressed. I firmly believe everyday basic utilities cannot be overlooked or compromised in order to fund a discretionary taxpayer project. I will take into account not only the cost of the demands on taxpayer projects but as well as the long term maintenance cost to taxpayers.

Public Safety

I want to make sure that our fire department and the sheriff’s department have the resources they need to have the best response times. This means when I am on the City Council it will be of vital importance the city planning assists in achieving those response times rather than creating obstacles. I support optimizing response times for all forms of emergency responses with proven procedures presented by those departments.

In addition, safety also means I will make sure our utility demand keeps up with city growth.

Maintaining a safe city allows our residents and businesses to thrive. I will also be conscious of our families that want to stay here long term and continue to make it viable for families to live and work in Andover.

Economic Development

Although Andover is still considered a bedroom community, I plan on working toward an Andover that encourages business development while maintaining the City’s character. This means more Andover residents have more options for job opportunities in Andover, as well as more opportunities for residents to spend more of their time and money in Andover.

Fiscal Responsibility

I believe the primary focus of the City of Andover is meeting the basic needs of a functioning city government while always being mindful of Andover taxpayer dollars.