By Doug La Rocque
The last four years have seen some tough times for the Grafton Town Clerk’s office. The illness of current Town Clerk Sue Putnam, and friction between the Clerk’s office and that of the Town Supervisor have led to problems in the functioning of the Town Clerk’s office.
[private]Putnam has served as Town Clerk for more than 20 years, but because of her health, chose not to seek another term, and in November’s election, the residents of Grafton chose Kathy Mason-Wagar, a former Deputy Clerk and current Town Court Clerk, as her replacement.
Mason-Wagar said her first and foremost goal is to restore a working Town Clerk’s office to the residents of Grafton. This includes regular posted hours, on-time reports and updating the office with a new computer system that will modernize and streamline the workings of the Clerk’s office (we should note that Deputy Clerk Goyer asked to purchase this system some time ago, but the Town Board chose to wait until the new clerk was elected, to assure it was what the incoming Clerk would want). Mason-Wagar said the money for this system is in the 2016 Town Budget.
Mason-Wagar said she expects to have a very productive working relationship with Supervisor-elect Ingrid Gundrum. She points out that she and Ingrid have been lifelong friends. “I can only see our friendship as enhancing our work together. We have similar goals for our small town.” Mason-Wagar said if she and Gundrum had a difference of opinion, she is sure they could work it out in a calm and logical manner, and find a solution agreeable to both.
Mason-Wagar said she realizes this new position will be exciting and challenging at times, and is asking the people of Grafton to give her the time to assimilate the vast amount of knowledge and information necessary to be a good clerk. She hopes to bring forth new ideas and concepts to enhance the services provided by the Town Clerk. On a personal note, Kathy is putting an emphasis on working with the Town Board, other officials and the people of Grafton to enhance community involvement and restore little town charm. “When growing up in Grafton, we had Christmas events, such as a live nativity. There were clam steams, chicken BBQ’s, square dances/dances – things to bring our community together. The theme of my campaign was “it’s time for a change,” but now is the time to put political party labels away, and let’s just be friends and neighbors. She invites residents to come to Town Board meetings and choose to get involved. “My personal goal for the future of Grafton is to change controversy into conversation.”
Kathy Mason-Wagar will take office on January 1, 2016. [/private]