By Doug La Rocque
As the newly elected Grafton Town Officials gathered New Year’s Day to take their oathes of office, new Town Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum told The Eastwick Press about some of the priorities of her new admininistration.
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Gundrum identifies restoring the functions of the Town Clerk’s office as one of her top priorities. “Grafton was so well served by Suzanne Putnam for so many years prior to her illness, and as a result we became accustomed to excellent customer service and regular accessibility to the Town Clerk’s Office. Simply put, Sue got the job done and Grafton was better off for it.” Gundrum praised outgoing Supervisor Frank Higgins and Deputy Town Clerk Cathy Goyer for doing what they could to address the Town’s needs in Putnam’s absence. She said she was excited about the opportunity to work with the new Town Clerk, Kathy Mason-Wagar, who is a life-long friend and neighbor who shares very similar goals for the Town
Town Assessment An Issue
She said the biggest issue demanding her attention in the short term, is property value assessments. She plans to begin with a look at the appointment of Assessor David Galarneau, as well as “getting a firm grasp as to why the owners of less than half of Grafton’s assessed parcels received letters increasing their assessments. The Town is presently facing legal actions resulting from this.” Gundrum said she will work to get all the facts and figures in front of her, so the right moves can be taken to insure equity and legality in all cases.
The Town’s infrastructure is also a concern. Gundrum is confident she will be able to work with Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck on pending projects such as bridge and road repairs, and work that needs to be done to keep town roads in top shape. “Grafton residents deserve that, and they deserve to know that we understand that a great deal of their quality of life in Grafton depends on being able to access their homes and property on well-maintained country roads.” She also mentioned the town buildings as a concern. “From what I am seeing so far, its just simple things we all encounter as homeowners.” She added, “however, we can’t let the minor repairs slide into major projects.”
Some Changes Coming To Monthly Board Meetings
Gundrum said she would like to make some positive additions to the monthly Board meetings to recognize Grafton’s Youth and the services of Grafton’s Veterans. Currently the town adjourns its meeting in memory of those who have recently passed away by reading their names – “But I think it would be nice to say a few more things about those special people we have lost that month, their particular contributions to Grafton and to let their families know we have formally honored their time amongst us as neighbors and friends.”
Asked about the likelihood of a second “workshop meeting” each month, Supervisor Gundrum said she would definitely consider it. She thought out loud about a non-traditional format, perhaps on the day the Grafton Fire Department holds its monthly Saturday breakfast, a time when many residents are in the village already. “Councilmembers and I, along with the Town Clerk, could be on hand at the Town Hall in a less formal setting to be available to residents. It’s a possibility that I think we would all be open to.”
A Message For The People Of Grafton
“I’d like to let my fellow Grafton residents know that my door at the Town Hall is always open for them to come and let me know how things are going in their neighborhoods around town, to let me know what they feel is going well and what may need improvement.” Speaking on behalf of the Town Board, Gundrum said, “their hearts and minds will always be open to heartfelt and informed constructive criticism that will benefit Grafton and make it an even more wonderful place to live, work and raise our families.”
Supervisor Gundrum is hopeful that town residents will recognize and appreciate that the new Town Board is “green,” meaning that with the exception of long time Councilman Mike Crandall, they are all new in their positions. She asks residents “to please understand this and work with us in a positive manner as we find our way and get settled in over the next few months.” She invites all to attend the monthly Board meetings, held on the second Monday of the month at 7 pm. She hopes to see many new faces alongside the regular dedicated residents who attend the monthly meetings. She said she and the new Board are excited and optimistic about their future together. “We’ve adopted a sort of informal motto as a Board to conduct ourselves as all for One and One for Grafton. It doesn’t get much better than that as we take our first steps forward.”
Taking the Oath of Office
Town Clerk Kathy Mason-Wagar and Supervisor Gundrum were officially sworn in on December 31 at the home of the outgoing Clerk Sue Putnam. Putnam did not seek re-election after 30 years of service to the Town because of her health. Mason-Wagar officially swore in new Councilmembers Lisa Dooley and Eric Buckley, as well as long-time Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck in the New Year’s Day Ceremony. Gundrum and Mason-Wagar also repeated their oaths before a standing-room only crowd at the Town Hall.[/private]