Andover welcomes new officials

ANDOVER — The Andover Township Committee appointed their mayor, deputy mayor and members of other boards, commissions and committees at their reorganization meeting on Jan. 2. Michael Lensak was elected and sworn in as mayor. Committee member Gail Phoebus was elected as deputy mayor, although she was not at the ceremony and will be officially sworn in at a later meeting. Phil Boyce was sworn in for another term on the township committee. Bob Smith, who was also absent, will be sworn in at a later date for his committee seat. "It's an honor to be sitting up here as mayor," said Lensak, who choked up when he thanked his father, Ed Lensczak, wife Lisa, and daughter Samantha for their support. "It means a lot to me." Lensak said he's looking foward to increasing township revenue and finding ways to increase efficiency within the township. He noted the importance of more local businesses in keeping township taxes down. Lensak mentioned the opening of the Andover Animal Hospital and the planned opening of a Dale's Market at the former D'Angelo's location as good economic signs. Lensak also said there will be a continued push for recycling due to the increase in tipping fees.