Sue McCann candidate for Town Clerk

Previous Public Service: Boy Scout Den Mother, Secondary School Association member, Hardscrabble Day Committee, Town of Red Hook Ethics Committee, Red Hook Chamber of Commerce and Village Green Tree Planting Committee.

(1) The Town Clerk's office is generally considered the center of local government. We convey a lasting impression of the community to all who enter. We are responsible for maintaining and administering the official records of our community, town and state permits and responding to the specific needs of our residents.
During the past 7 years I have had the priviledge of serving our residents as Deputy Town Clerk and will continue to serve the public in a friendly, professional manner.

Issuing licenses is only a small part of this complex job. Many duties are mandated by law, but many more go well beyond those mandates as Town Clerks serve as a major source of information to all.
A Town Clerk is a public relations officer, recording secretary, records management officer, filing officer, licensing officer, election coordinator, cash control officer and registrar of vital statistics. We also offer free notary service, and issue recycling, fire and handicap parking permits.
I understand town law, freedom of information and open meeting requirements and the archival responsiblities of the Clerk's office.

(2) The Town Clerk office is not a political office. As it has been in the past and will continue in the future, it is a place where all residents must feel welcome and all people treated fairly.

(3) I have been fortunate to have been Margaret Doty's Deputy Town Clerk for 7 years. Her expertise and knowledge of the position is invaluable and she has prepared me well for the job. I have enhanced my knowledge through many classes, forums and workshops offered by the NYS Association of Towns and the Town Clerk's Association. As your Town Clerk, I will continue seeking education on all aspects of the office and our community. I am a student at the Pace Land Use Center Community Leadership Alliance, attend most Northern Dutchess Alliance Meetings and many other local, county and state meetings, conferences and classes.

(4) One of the most important jobs of a Town Clerk is a public relations officer. I am dedicated to the community, patient, cheerful and compassionate. I listen and am able to advise. I'm receptive to new ideas and able to maintain a sense of humor while performing duties in a professional manner. If I don't have the answer to your question, I will seek it out and get back to you. Being open, honest and responsive is an important aspect of this job.

(5) The voters of Red Hook know that experience, personality and a understanding of the responsibilities are essential for a smooth transition. I will continue to accomodate our residents during regular business hours, provide special appointments when necessary and offer several Saturday office hours during the year. I have been instrumental in updating our online services for those residents who are unable to visit during business hours, and will continue doing so.

Many transactions may be handled through the mail and we will facilitate that as well. With Town Board support, the Town Clerk's will continue updating our hardware and software, enhance electronic access to services and coordinate the delivery of services with our Village Clerks, saving valuable time and resources. I would also like to see improved access to local and historical records and will work with the Egbert Benson Historical Society, Dutchess County Historical Society, our local historians and both community libraries.

In order to offer the best possible service to everyone, I will listen carefully to your concerns and needs and attempt to accomodate as much as possible.

I love being the Deputy Town Clerk for the past 7 years and am committed to continuing my professional public service as your Town Clerk.
















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