Home » News » Politics » Town Meetings
February 28. 2013 11:23PM
DERRY - Incumbent Town Clerk Denise Neale is facing a challenge in the March 12 town election from former town councilor Janet Fairbanks.
Fairbanks said she believes Neale has done well in the position she has held since 2006, but said she believes in term limits and that no one should run unopposed.
"I've been interested in that position for a little while, and thought now is the time," said Fairbanks.
She said she has over 20 years of bookkeeping experience, as well as a half-dozen years of office management experience.
Fairbanks said her bookkeeping jobs are down from 30 hours per week to about six hours per week, giving her the time to commit to the town clerk position.
Neale said she is committed to her position's professional goals and to the residents of the town, which is why she decided to run for reelection.
"I've been the town clerk since 2006, when the town restructured this office and reassigned the motor vehicle division to the tax collector's office," said Neale.
She said she saw this as a positive move for the clerk's office, giving her and the part-time deputy clerk the opportunity to reorganize, upgrade and update the office.
"That resulted in easier accessibility and more efficient services to our residents," Neale said.
The duties of the clerk's office include managing dog licensing, vital records, marriage licenses, voter registration, and the maintenance of all town records.
"The town clerk plays a critical role in all elections and is critically important to ensure election results are accurate and in accordance with all state and federal guidelines," Neale said. "The clerk's office acts as the hub or referral center for all the town's citizens."
While Fairbanks said Neale has done a good job in the clerk's role, she said she would make sure the clerk's office was staffed during lunch hours.
"If someone is going to go to the office between the hours of 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., I would make sure there is someone there, whether it is myself or the deputy assistant clerk," said Fairbanks.
With two people working in the office, Fairbanks said there should be coverage at all times.
"Denise has done a great job in the past, but I am someone who believes in term limits and would like a chance," said Fairbanks.
aswift@newstote.com
Former councilor challenges town clerk in Derry
Fairbanks said she believes Neale has done well in the position she has held since 2006, but said she believes in term limits and that no one should run unopposed.
"I've been interested in that position for a little while, and thought now is the time," said Fairbanks.
She said she has over 20 years of bookkeeping experience, as well as a half-dozen years of office management experience.
Fairbanks said her bookkeeping jobs are down from 30 hours per week to about six hours per week, giving her the time to commit to the town clerk position.
Neale said she is committed to her position's professional goals and to the residents of the town, which is why she decided to run for reelection.
"I've been the town clerk since 2006, when the town restructured this office and reassigned the motor vehicle division to the tax collector's office," said Neale.
She said she saw this as a positive move for the clerk's office, giving her and the part-time deputy clerk the opportunity to reorganize, upgrade and update the office.
"That resulted in easier accessibility and more efficient services to our residents," Neale said.
The duties of the clerk's office include managing dog licensing, vital records, marriage licenses, voter registration, and the maintenance of all town records.
"The town clerk plays a critical role in all elections and is critically important to ensure election results are accurate and in accordance with all state and federal guidelines," Neale said. "The clerk's office acts as the hub or referral center for all the town's citizens."
While Fairbanks said Neale has done a good job in the clerk's role, she said she would make sure the clerk's office was staffed during lunch hours.
"If someone is going to go to the office between the hours of 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., I would make sure there is someone there, whether it is myself or the deputy assistant clerk," said Fairbanks.
With two people working in the office, Fairbanks said there should be coverage at all times.
"Denise has done a great job in the past, but I am someone who believes in term limits and would like a chance," said Fairbanks.
aswift@newstote.com
- Sanbornton voters add money back into budget - 0
- Sanbornton voters say no to SB 2 - 0
- Old building, new roads on Peterborough warrant - 0
- Sanbornton to vote again on SB2 - 0
- Employee pay, dump trucks key Sanbornton warrant - 0
- Proposed New London budget shows 3 percent increase - 0
- Conway voters ok school budget, but reject teacher's contract - 0
- Ortega, Barnes reelected to Merrimack School Board - 0
- Merrimack polls open today - 0
New London voters approve $7.2m operating budget
READER COMMENTS: 0- Talk of UNH logo change brings out passions - 0
- John Habib's City Sports: Gosselin stepping down as city AD - 0
- Lackey sharp as Red Sox pound Cleveland, Masterson - 0
- Manchester Vet Center just 'a great place' - 0
- NHIAA Roundup: Bedford netmen earn spot in state final - 0
- NHIAA Scoreboard, May 24, 2013 - 0
- NHIAA Div. I Track: Lynch, North boys prevail - 0
- Two found dead in Belmont; one man detained as part of investigation - 0
- Weather this weekend may be more like Veterans Day - 0
Sox in the city: World champs' appearance highlighted Gill Stadium opening
READER COMMENTS: 0| Follow us: | ||
 |
 |
 |
Sorry, no question available