Andover Board appoints two new selectmen after public interviews

The Andover Board of Selectmen on July 13 appointed Christine Randazzo and Dave Gastanian to fill two vacancies on the five‑member panel after interviews with five candidates.

Chair Jeff Maguire moved to appoint Randazzo and Gastanian following a closed executive session; the motion was seconded by Scott and carried on the voices of the three seated members. The board told both appointees they would be sworn in at the town clerk’s office the following day rather than at the meeting.

Randazzo, a 28‑year resident, told the board she runs a women‑owned landscape and lawn‑care business and is a civil engineer who has worked in state highway operations and municipal planning. She highlighted her recent volunteer work on the Long Hill field improvements — a multi‑year project that added playgrounds, four pickleball courts and pavilions — and said she would work to attract businesses that broaden the town’s tax base while preserving Andover’s character.

Gastanian, an Andover resident for 32 years and a long‑time volunteer firefighter and EMT, said he has served on municipal boards including the zoning board of appeals and the board of finance. He described his objective as promoting ‘‘responsible growth’’ that supports municipal services without eroding the town’s rural character.

Before the executive session, several residents and candidates urged the board to move the appointment item earlier in the agenda so newly sworn members could participate in the evening’s business. Chair Maguire said the board relocated the item for that reason and confirmed the town’s charter and political‑affiliation rules before voting.

The appointments restore the board to five members. The chair said the town clerk, Roberta, will administer oaths and that town staff will orient the new selectmen before the next regular meeting.