Issue Four Summer 2020

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Lori Ballantine Candidate for Town Clerk What brought you to Nahant? While scouting some Nahant properties 16 years ago my husband, Jack, stopped at a local store. As he was walking in, a group of kids was leaving. One young man held the door open for him and said, “Excuse me sir”. We were both so impressed with how neighborly people were. Sure, Nahant’s natural beauty was the main draw, but this encounter at the store cemented our decision to buy a home and start our family in Nahant. What experience do you have that would enable you to be a successful Town Clerk? My credentials include a Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science, seven years as an elected official on the School Committee, nine years on the 01908 Board of Directors, 12+ years customer service professional experience, and 5+ years office administrative professional experience. Last fall I was hired as an election worker for the town of Nahant. Most of my customer service experience was at Delta Air Lines as a flight attendant. I worked briefly as a personal assistant. For five years, I worked in a construction company Nahant Magazine | 24 office. In addition to daily operational responsibilities at the construction office, I handled property management, advertising, preparation and proofing documents such as contracts, leases, and procurement documents. Most of my years on the School Committee have been served as the vice chairman or chairman. I represented the School Committee on a subcommittee which negotiated our current contract with Swampscott Schools, a process that took a year. I have also volunteered for many years with local Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. I have a clear understanding of Massachusetts policies, ethics, and laws and proficiency constructing and analyzing municipal budgets. My diverse experience would serve me well as the Town Clerk. Duties of the Town Clerk include providing services to the public as well as completing a lengthy list of administrative duties. I am fully capable of juggling many things at once. I have managed the full-time job of parenting alongside volunteering and holding a job. What challenges do you foresee for the next Town Clerk? The newly elected Town Clerk will face the challenge of coordinating and administering a federal and state primary in September and a presidential election this November. Given the widespread concern for public safety surrounding in-person voting, the State and Federal governments are evaluating options to authorize citizens to vote by mail in some fashion. States determine rules for administering elections, and it remains to be seen what Massachusetts will determine to do. It is likely that if some measure allowing for enhanced vote by mail options are enacted, the state government will look for additional funds to pay for the added expenses. The town of Nahant currently has not allocated funds for this type of endeavor. The current turmoil as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis is pushing both the public and private sectors to reevaluate how business is conducted. The next Town Clerk will likely face questions such as what business must be done in person and what can be accomplished remotely? Many residents have shared that they enjoy their visits to Town Hall to conduct business. I pay my water and tax bills in person rather than online because I enjoy in-person visits as well. However, for some, an online option is the best or only option because of their work and life demands. In the best of times, modernization is a balancing act of technology and the way things have always been done. We must embrace both in streamlining the work of the Town Clerk’s office. In closing, why should people vote for you? I am a positive person who believes that, for every problem, there is a solution. I have a proven record of following procedures and policies professionally. In my role on the School Committee, I have always made myself accessible to the public. I love this town because of the people that live here, and I am dedicated to serving them. I have—and will continue to—put Nahant first. I respectfully ask for your vote at our Annual Town Election on June 20. Thank you for your consideration. Read more at: “Lori Balantine for Nahant Town Clerk” *image courtesy of Heidi Fiore
Diane Dunfee Candidate for Town Clerk Born and raised in Nahant, there is no place I would rather live. Not only with my loving family and friends, both lifelong and new, but also because Nahant is filled with charming traditions, opportunities to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and most importantly, our unique community of young and old.As the Town Clerk, working for Nahant’s wonderful citizens would be a job I would thoroughly enjoy. Why Do I Want to Be Town Clerk? I’ve had the privilege of working for the Town of Nahant, on a part time basis, for almost 12 years; primarily in the Nahant Public schools as a substitute teacher. More recently, I worked at the Town Hall assisting in the implementation of a Massachusetts State Informational Technology Grant to consolidate and digitizing all permits and architectural drawings into a new Inspectional Services Software program. Additionally, I assisted in the Office of the Selectmen in various capacities as needed. Working at the Town Hall, interacting with both staff and residents I realized I wanted to be part of the team…. I was hooked. This enriching experience, along with my love for the Town of Nahant has inspired me to run for the position of Town Clerk. How does your experience fit with the Town Clerk’s set of responsibilities? The Nahant Town Clerk is officially the keeper of vital records and documents, including the town census, election returns and Town Meeting warrants and actions. The Clerk must assist and answer questions, be agile in completing one’s own work during many interruptions and have a genuine interest in citizens and visitors alike. I believe my many career, personal and work experiences have prepared me to handle the multi-faceted set of challenges required to be an effective Town Clerk. For 20 + years, I worked as the VP of Electrical Sales for a manufacturer’s rep firm. I have also worked as a substitute teacher, a coach, a front desk manager and in various positions at the Town Hall. All jobs requiring my strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to work independently to define and solve problems and to work in a collaborative manner with various constituencies. Most important, is my ability to quickly and easily build relationships with people of all ages and backgrounds. I take great pride in being a lifelong member of our community. I welcome the responsibility the office of Nahant Town Clerk; to uphold the integrity of the town and its vital records. I look forward to assisting all residents and visitors with respect a smile. Any projects you’d like to take on as a Town Clerk? I am looking forward to building on the 5year CPC funded effort, to preserve and digitize the town’s records for storage in the Clerk’s vault and to update the main document index for easy accessibility to Nahant’s rich history. Responsibilities that directly correlate to the IT Grant project I successfully completed for the Town of Nahant. I’d also like to develop more informational links between townspeople. For example, a “Welcome Packet” for new residents and possibly a “What’s new in Nahant!” newsletter providing key information to all residents. It would be an honor and a pleasure to work for you, Nahant, as the Town Clerk. “Diane’s interest in people, ability to “solve puzzles” independently is coupled with a focus in careful documentation and successful results, skills which equip her to handle the multi-faceted challenges the role of Town Clerk encompasses” Pat McArdle, manager for Community Compact IT Grant I respectfully ask for your vote on June 20, <strong>2020</strong>. 25 | Nahant Magazine
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Issue Four Summer 2020

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