To the editor:
I have only known Debbie Silberstein for three years, but in that time I have gained a great deal respect for her. From the first Andover School Committee meeting that I attended, my immediate impression of Debbie was that she really cares! Debbie values public input, listens attentively and makes informed decisions. I learned that Debbie stands her ground and was clearly not willing to compromise. It was clear to me that Debbie made decisions that were in the best interest of the education of Andover students.
Over the last three years, I learned of Debbie's extensive involvement in the community. She founded the first townwide PTO and served as president, served for four years on the Andover Finance Committee, six years on the Andover School Committee, 10 years on Andover's Council for Aging, was a founding member of the Andover Youth Foundation, and much more.
Debbie's dedication to the community cannot be questioned. I once asked Debbie how much time she dedicated to her position on the Andover School Committee. She told me that on average she put in around 15-20 hours per week; more during budget and contract negotiation times. Debbie said that a person could do it in less time, but she wanted to do it right. Debbie managed to serve the Andover community all the while running a successful law practice and at the same time, earning a Ph.D. in social policy from Brandeis University.
A lot of people say that "we need change" and that they want to help to enact that change. Debbie doesn't just say she wants to help, Debbie has shown, by her years of service to the community, that she makes a difference and truly cares about the people in our community. Debbie is not a career politician. Debbie is just an extremely dedicated community activist that has the intelligence and passion to be successful in whatever she sets out to do. I know that Debbie will bring that passion and dedication that she has already exemplified in her past achievements when elected to the state Senate serving the people of Andover, Dracut, Lawrence and Tewksbury.
Dan Kowalski
Andover
