The Valley Patriot confirmed Saturday, that North Andover Police Lt. Dan Lanen, is seeking to return to the board of selectmen in this Spring’s town elections.
Lanen, a hero police officer who has been named police officer of the year by the Lawrence Exchange Club, and received the Officer Tom Duggan, Hero Police Officer award by The Valley Patriot, was recently promoted from police sergeant to lieutenant.
Lanen is a conservative republican and a member of the Merrimack Valley Tea Party. He served as a medic in the US Army reserves and was originally elected to the board of selectmen in in 2006, serving six years before resigning in 2011.
Lanen was was well known as a fiscal conservative who prided himself on opposing Proposition 2 1/2 property tax overrides, including for the new police station. The override for the police station failed but was eventually approved and built without an override.
“We kept the town running without raising taxes. We maintained town services. We built the Sutton Hill Reservoir, the early childhood education center, and several other construction projects while I was on the board. I’m looking forward to helping the town again as a member of the board,” Lanen said.
Lanen told The Valley Patriot that he is now working days on the police department and has some time in the evening to attend meetings. “I enjoyed my time serving the people of North Andover on the board of selectmen and I think I still have a lot to offer. There are a lot of projects coming up and I think the town needs someone who is going to make sure those projects are cost efficient, and the best fit for town residents.”
North Andover voters will choose two selectmen in the spring but one of the incumbent selectmen, Tracy Watson has already announced she will not seek reelection. Selectman Don Stewart says he will be seeking another term.