^{A Freedom of Information Act request is in process to determine the specifics of what happened to three town vehicles.}

^{It is my understanding that an aerial ladder fire truck, an ambulance, and a pickup truck were given away by the Town of Andover.  Though I can not find any  mention of this in the Selectmen's minutes, I am told of this by Selectman Alex Vispoli, at least regarding the aerial ladder fire truck.  I have heard this story now from a second source.}

^{It is my understanding that our 1984 Mack aerial ladder fire truck along with an ambulance and pickup truck has been gifted to an as yet unknown entity in the Dominican Republic.}

• ^{Did the Town of Andover gift away these capital assets?}
• ^{Why can't the Town Manager direct me to who would have voted on this?}
• ^{How was the value of these vehicles determined?}
• ^{Can they really afford to give away our used vehicles when they're shutting off our street lights?}
• ^{Why can't I find anything public on this?}
• ^{Did we pay to ship these vehicles somewhere?}  

^{I will post the results of my investigation as soon as possible.}

Same Andover Deal in D.C.? Odd deal sends D.C. fire truck, ambulance to Dominican town By: Michael Neibauer Examiner Staff Writer March 27, 2009      Did the D.C. Deal Happen Here? D.C. Mayor Fenty's associates bypassed rules in donating rescue vehicles By Tim Craig Washington Post Staff Writer Thursday, January 28, 2010

Click image above for FOIA document

I spoke with Town Manager Reginald "Buzz" Stapczynski this afternoon who confirmed the gifting.  Stapczynski directed me to the April 14, 2006 edition of The Lawrence Eagle Tribune where I found the story.

These capital assets and more were given away without a public vote by the Andover Board of Selectman. 

According to Stapczynski the three vehicles gifted had, "no value".   Stapczynsk claims the 1983 Chevrolet four wheel drive pickup style "brush truck" had no value.   Stapczynsk claims the 1988 ambulance had no value.  The 1984 Mack aerial ladder truck had no value.

I questioned what the scrap steel value would be, the salvage value of the parts, an auction value...but was told by Stapczynski, "no value"

Folks, I grew up in Medway, Massachusetts.  My brother owned and operated an automotive repair shop in the next town of Millis for many years.  I am familiar with trucks.  In fact, I bought a used fire truck from the Town of Southboro years ago.  These vehicles have value. 

1967 Fire Truck I purchased for over $2,000 from the Town of Southboro.   Trucks have value.  Why does Stapczynski tell us they don't?

According to Stapczynski, he knew nothing of our Fire Chief gifting away town capital assets until after the fact.

How should surplus property by Massachusetts cities and towns should be disposed of by law?  It's very clear.    MGL   Chapter 30B: Section 15. Tangible supply; disposition. 

 So where do we go from here?

I can't change the past but I can change the future.  With your vote on March 23rd I'll work to end this kind of irresponsible conduct by your town leadership.

On February 17, 2010 I filed a complaint with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Inspector General regarding this issue.  I received a phone call from the IG's office  today, February 22nd.

 Contrary to our Town Manager's finding that these assets had "no value" the IG feels they did have value, and that the statute was violated on several counts.  I was told however that due to the length of time between the violations and the complaint there will be no action take other than they have warned the Town of Andover of this violation and that the law must be followed in the future.

There is something you can do however, you can vote out the Selectmen who stood by silent as our assets were given away in violation of Commonwealth of Massachusetts law. 

How many other vehicles and capital assets have been given away?  (hint: snow plows)