Unofficial Mayor Nominee: Terry Holland

Patch is holding an contest, and one name that made the list might make you think of pizza -- Terry Holland.

Holland was raised on Main Street and owns He is actively involved in many local groups and programs, including working tirelessly on behalf of youth sports and the local Youth Center, and was recently named the

"In my mind, Terry Holland is already the unofficial Mayor of North Andover," Chris Phaneuf writes. "Terry has demonstrated a real long term commitment towards bettering the town that he obviously loves. His work with the Booster Club has resulted in improved fields, lights at Drummond, and expanded sports offerings -  allowing more kids to participate in healthy activities.  He is still very active in this program - even though his own kids have long since grown up and moved on. Terry is always more than happy to donate his time, or food from Stachi's, or whatever he is asked - if it will benefit our town or our youth. Terry has done all of this in a low-key manner, he is not looking for attention or public accolades."

Phaneuf adds that Holland's sincerity and good-natured personality also make him a fit for the unofficial mayor role.

North Andover resident Pam Burkardt also sent in a nomination letter for Holland:

"We have lived here and raised our children here since 1982," Burkardt wrote. "Terry has been giving to this town quietly and unobtrusively since we have been here, and I am sure before that. He cleans parks, sets up fields, tirelessly works for every child in town, and always has. He was a key supporter, still is, in fundraising and building the Youth Center of North Andover, of which I was a part. I do not believe Terry has ever said no to anyone, and he gives not only his money and his food and his gift certificates, but has given thousands upon thousands of hours of his time--quietly, efficiently, without any recompense, without any thought of himself.  We all have witnessed him going to each and every park to be sure they are set up properly for the kids in town, no matter what the sport. He delivers food without even being asked to post funeral events. He is a quiet, unassuming person who is a jewel in our midst. I doubt a fundraiser exists that he has missed in his massive donation pool.  He has never, to my knowledge, asked for anything in return for all he does. He never even asks for thanks! If there was ever a true person in North Andover who gives, who loves this town so dearly and all that it holds, it is Terry Holland. I truly hope he is considered, hope he wins, so that one time, just one time, we give back to Terry."

Know someone who should be North Andover's unofficial mayor? There's still time to nominate! Send a nomination letter (a paragraph or two, or more if you like) to Bryan.McGonigle@patch.com by Friday, April 13. A poll will be posted starting on Monday, April 16, in which all nominees will be listed and voters will pick their favorite candidate.