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NORTH ANDOVER It was a first on Sunday morning for the North Andover Democratic Town Committee, hosting avirtual breakfastwhile continuing a long-standing tradition of honoring the partys representatives and supporters.

The breakfast, led byMark DiSalvo,brought local Democrats together, including state legislators and candidates running for local office. The virtual event also featured special tributes to supporters.

U.S. Sen. Ed Markey returned to the breakfast this year asthe keynote speaker, thankingeveryone for their support during his reelection campaign and giving updates on the progress he feels is being made in Washington, D.C.

Markey was also the guest speaker a year ago.

I loved being with you last year, the senator said, adding that a lot has happened in the past year to make him very hopeful for whats to come.

There is a light at the end of this dark, year-end tunnel, Markey said. We want to get things done.

Markey said Democrats should be proud they won the trifecta, keeping control of the House of Representatives, winning the Senate and taking back the White House.

Markey also said President Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan will bring relief and support to those needing it most as the pandemic continues.

It feels like our country is emerging from a very long and dark winter, Markey said. Its been a hard year but we have a lot of work to do. Its time to rise up, to put our justice agenda into action.

U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts sent a video message, thanking all for their support and hard work.

The committee honoredAndrea Holmbergas Democrat of the Year. Shereceived her official award at home Saturday.

Committee Chairman Michael Lis toldthe audience that Holmberg was deserving ofthe honor calling her a tireless campaign worker, party supporter and someonewho has held signs in rain and snow, helpedcomplete many tasks to support candidates, and has immeasurable generosity and commitment.

For Holmberg, it was a honor to be recognized.

She credited the many women in her lifewho helped drive her commitment to help others. That included her mother, friends, and even her young daughter.

Holmberg said she would continue to work for the candidates in whom she believes.

Former Eagle-Tribune reporter Paul Tennant was also honored by the committee, with DiSalvo saying Tennants work over the years covering local news has been valuableto the community.

And I always enjoyed attending and covering the North Andover Democratic Town Committee breakfast,Tennant said, adding that after the results of last falls election, he has a renewed sense of hope.

The last four years have been less than pleasant, Tennant said. Im seeing leadership that doesnt seek to divide.

In addition to state legislators giving their own views, local candidates running for several North Andover elected positions were invited to speak.

Those running for Select Board include incumbent Richard M. Vaillancourt, Joseph Finn and Janice Phillips. For School Committee, the candidates are Andrew McDevitt, David Brown, Joseph Hicks, Rebecca Stronck and Pamela Wall-Pietrowski.Max Butterbrodt hopes to win a five-year term on the Housing Authority.

DiSalvo is also running for another term as town moderator.

DiSalvo stressed that this part of the breakfast was nonpartisan, and all candidates were invited to participate.North Andovers election is March 30.

Those who attended the virtual breakfasttook part in an electronic straw poll asking for nonbinding opinions on several questions, including how participants feel about Bidens response to the coronavirus, Gov. Charlie Bakers response, and on the local front, North Andovers response.

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North Andover Democrats host their first virtual breakfast - Eagle-Tribune