Deslaurier: Town needs analytical approach

A product manager with Genzyme Corp., Deslaurier says he solves complex issues daily with an analytical and sober approach. He's hoping to bring these skills to the Board of Selectmen.

"In my current job in biotech, we may be developing a product but have no idea what the market will be like in five years," said Deslaurier. "We have to figure out how the market might change and what impact that may have on our product."

Deslaurier moved to Billerica four years ago and was appointed to the Finance Committee in 2007. In that time, he has familiarized himself with the ins and outs of the town budget.

"I'm very much a detail-oriented person," said Deslaurier. "My positions have to be driven by numbers. It's not always the nicest way, but it's the most effective way. It takes out the personalities."

Deslaurier says the current board has been unwilling to tackle tough questions that affect the town's future. He says there is too much bickering.

"I'm hoping to bring an increased level of debate," Deslaurier says. "A lot of times it seems there is a foregone conclusion before the board votes. That's not productive for anyone."

Deslaurier is a vocal opponent of the Billerica Energy Center, a 348-megawatt power plant proposed for Billerica Avenue. He also criticizes his opponent in this year's election, Selectman

Jim O'Donnell, for supporting Town Manager Bill Williams' plan to make Chief Assessor Rich Scanlon an assistant town manager, at a $25,000 cost.

"Fundamentally we're different people," said Deslaurier, of O'Donnell. "I'm looking for solutions that will be beneficial for the long term. Jim has been lucky he's had a strong economy. We've had a fairly long upswing, but now it's different."

Andrew Deslaurier

Age: 31

Address: 1 Wilson St.

Family: Wife, Maggie

Education: Bachelors degree from Stonehill College, masters degree from University of Massachusetts in human services, studying for MBA at Suffolk University.

Occupation: Associate product manager for Genzyme Corp.

Political experience: Finance Committee, 2007-present.

Top three goals: Change the way decisions are made for the town. Increase the level of involvement of all folks in their Board of Selectmen. Have the board of selectmen move forward prioritizing the right issues for the town.

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