Cristina Kiesel announces her bid for town clerk in Monroe

My name is Cristina Kiesel and I’d like to take this opportunity to announce my candidacy for the position of town clerk of Monroe. I would also like to explain who I am and why I have decided to run for this important position. I am a 15-year resident of Monroe and have been endorsed by both the Democratic Party and the Protect Monroe Party. I’m a proud mom of two children who attend Sapphire and Pine Tree elementary schools. I’m also a co-leader and treasurer of Brownie troop #173. I’m an active community volunteer and have worked in several organizations seeking to bring recreation and sensible development to Monroe. I have been attending town board meetings for the past seven years and have extensive knowledge of the workings of our local government. I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Montclair State University. I worked for Sony Corporation for 20 years as a supervisor of administration. My opponent has stated that she has “valuable experience and knowledge in handling a multitude of task.” One of the tasks she refers to is “managing all records.” Until very recently confidential court records were left in the basement of town hall and the highway department building without any type of security. My opponent also states that one of her duties is to record town meetings and minutes of those meetings. Her duty is to safeguard those minutes. Recently it was discovered that minutes from the Zoning Board of Appeals for a highly controversial subdivision are missing and cannot be located. Recently my opponent unilaterally and without full knowledge of the trustees of the town board appointed a deputy clerk in the Village of Kiryas Joel to dispense marriage licenses. This was an unprecedented action in the Town of Monroe and begs the question whether it was politically motivated. My opponent is also responsible for accepting and opening bids for town contracts. One such contract was the cleaning contract. Coincidentally, her son submitted the lowest bid by $50 and was awarded the contract. Lastly my opponent holds three taxpayer paid positions - that of Town Clerk, Tax Collector and Fire Department Secretary. Her combined salary reportedly totals $70,000. While holding these three positions is legal, in an economy where so many community members are unemployed is it fair? If elected, I will make a commitment to the community that I will hold only one position - that of Town Clerk. The position of Town Clerk is a vitally important position. It requires an individual that is trustworthy with strong organizational skills, an extensive business background and unquestionable integrity. I know I have the ability and dedication to make our town operate efficiently and with the transparency necessary for honest and open government. Therefore, I ask for your vote on Nov. 8. Thank you, Cristina Kiesel Monroe