Andover

Barry Finegold has been a relentless advocate for Andover as their State Representative. He’s worked diilligently in the House to secure much-needed funds for the town. In 2008, he secured over $150,000 for the continuation and improvement of Andover Youth Services, to make sure this valuable resource is available for many generations of Andover kids to come.

A former Andover High football player himself, Finegold helped deliver $75,000 for the improvement and maintenance of the Eugene Lovely Field at Andover High School; a great benefit to the student athletes in the Andover community.

Barry also helped obtain funding for the Wood Hill Middle School and High Plain Elementary School in Andover, ensuring that Andover’s young students have the space they need to learn.

Finegold helped the town repair its sidewalks in the downtown area. Barry requested an earmark for $85,000 for sidewalk repairs, in the state’s Supplemental Budget in 2008.

Barry has also been working hard to halt the removal of a very important piece of technology from the Shawsheen River. This piece of technology, stream gauge 01100627 on Balmoral Street in Andover, is pivotal in detecting floods in the area and also in determining whether the river is safe for recreational use. If removed, the Town would have a difficult time detecting rising water levels, endangering the homes and businesses around the Shawsheen.

After a major storm in June, Barry Finegold worked on behalf of Andover, Tewksbury and Lawrence with the State and Federal delegation to push for reimbursement for the storm clean up to help defray some of the costs to residents and businesses.  Barry also stood up to the utility companies, calling for faster and more efficient responses.  Finegold brought together company officials from National Grid and town representatives to open a dialogue in order to help resolve these issues.

Barry has also been a strong advocate for individuals in Andover, including the DiStefano family. John and Cindy DiStefano and their two sons had the unthinkable happen when their home of twenty years was severely flooded due to several blocked drainage culverts following an extreme rainstorm. Their property and most of their belongings were destroyed, and they were forced to evacuate their home as it was condemned. The insurance company denied their claims. Not knowing what else to do they turned to Barry for help. Barry fought their insurance company to have the decision reversed. In the end, their home was restored and most of their belongings were replaced.