COLCHESTER - There is a contested race for the Colchester town clerk seat in November’s general election.
Running on the Democratic line is Rebecca Mochel. Mochel is being challenged by Allison Gill, running on the Republican and Independent “Community First” lines, and Kirstie Mattson, running on the Independent “Improvement Party” line.
To provide voters with information about candidates, The Reporter asked the following questions and the candidates supplied the following answers:
Q: Why are you running for the position?
RM: I am running for town clerk because I have been watching and waiting for things to change and it doesn’t seem to be happening. Change is the necessity to move forward and to make a better township I’ve been disappointed watching the world fall apart. So I figured start at the bottom, learn as much as you can, so I volunteered this year to be an election inspector and I was called to work this year. It was a long 16 hour day, but wow what an education. At that time I was informed that Christie Matson, who was our deputy town clerk, who is no longer interested in running for the position of town clerk. So I went to the board of elections and asked if I could run for the position and with a week to spare, I was granted this opportunity. I worked as a USPS postal clerk from 2016-2021 so with that experience I think it makes sense to start here.
AG: I am running for town clerk because I deeply admire and care for our community. I’ve lived in Downsville my entire life. I’ve raised my children here. It’s a beautiful town to grow up and grow old in. I would love nothing more than to be able to use that admiration and put it towards serving the people of Colchester, who love this town as much as I do.
Q: What are your top three priorities as town clerk?
RM: 1. Open the hours up to five days a week and extend the hours so that not only can the town clerk office be open but also the other offices that are housed at the town hall. I experienced need to access other departments at the town hall but if the clerk is not there the town hall is locked even though other offices in the building are there. 2. Provide all current and relative information on the website as soon as it’s available. 3. Streamline any and all current processes that can be. I tried to volunteer as a deputy but was denied and told it was not allowed. That may be true currently but the law provides for us as a township to have not one deputy but up to three. They don’t have to be paid positions (that is a decision the town board will have to make) and that was exactly what I was asking to do. So I will ask the board to allow what the law allows for. Even if they won’t pay a wage we might find some other citizens that are interested in making a difference and getting involved.
AG: My top priorities as the town clerk are to serve the residence of Colchester, to maintain town records, vital statistics management, and to continue learning and implementing old and new tasks for my community. To possibly work earlier or later hours to be there for all residence who may not be able to make it there because of their work schedules. To continue to learn the ins and outs of our community. To build strong relationships with members of my town.
Q: How do you see the role of town clerk and how can a town clerk best serve its residents, voters and taxpayers?
RM: The role is one that requires listening and understanding the needs of the community. I feel that I can find solutions and streamline processes to make town business run more effectively. My career as production director for Brides regional magazines at Conde Nast gave me the opportunity to do just this. These magazines were the biggest challenge for the company because it didn’t follow the cookie cutter rules of the other magazines in the Condé Nast arsenal. So they tasked me with figuring it out. So I did and we successfully got them running in a more efficient manner and the company stated making money instead of loosing money on these titles.
AG: I see the role of town clerk as someone who wants what is best for our town and the people within it. A servant to the people of the community.
Q: Why should voters vote for you?
RM: I believe that my work experience and ethic make me the best person for the job. I’m willing to work hard if the town would want that and if not I’ve got plenty of other opportunities - the world is very big place and I figured start where you are.
AG: As a lifelong resident of Colchester, my roots in this town run deep, as does my faith in the people within it. The town of Colchester is a beautiful and unique place to live and I want to give back to the community.
The Colchester town clerk position is on the ballot in the Nov. 7 general election. Early voting begins Oct. 28.
* Kirstie Mattson declined answering questions.
