The race for Monroe Town Clerk

Valerie Bitzer, who was appointed by town clerk by the Monroe Town Board upon the retirement of long time clerk Mary Ellen Beams, and community activist Cristina Kiesel each seek a four-year term as Monroe’s Town Clerk.

The Photo News asked each candidate these questions:

1. Personal information. I.E. job, community service, some people include their families, etc.

2. Why are you running for office and why should people vote for you?

3. What is the most critical issue before the town or village and what can be done about it?

Here are their responses:

Valerie Bitzer

I am currently the Monroe Town Clerk after having served as Deputy Town Clerk for the past four years. My family has been fortunate to call Monroe home for 25 years. I volunteer my time teaching second grade religion at St. Anastasia’s in Harriman where I have taught for the past five years. I’ve assisted in many town events including collections to benefit the Troops, Toys for Tots, Adopt A Family and the local Food Pantry. I pride myself in giving my time and energy to these worthy causes.

Having served as Deputy Town Clerk for four years, I have gained the necessary experience to effectively continue to serve as Town Clerk, a position I was unanimously appointed to by a bipartisan Town Board in September. My ongoing promise is to work hard for all residents and the betterment of our community.

Records storage and the need for accuracy is the most integral part of the Town Clerk’s Office.

Additionally, as we continue to welcome new residents to our community, it is important to introduce them to policies, guidelines and services specific to the town while offering support to ease their transition to our wonderful town.

Cristina Kiesel

I have lived in Monroe for the past 25 years. I am a single mom, raising two teenagers. My son Ryan is a junior at Monroe-Woodbury High School and my daughter Jessica is a freshman at SUNY Rockland. I have been very involved in my local community as a volunteer and grassroots activist. I served as a Girl Scout leader for 12 years and am the founder and chairperson of the Monroe Downtown Revitalization Committee. I have 30 years of Administrative and Supervisory experience working for Fortune 500 companies.

As a single working mom, I understand the needs of busy working families and will make the Town Clerk’s office more accessible to the residents of Monroe. I have extensive experience with web design, digitizing files and communicating effectively with the public. I believe in transparency, complying with sunshine laws and making government documentation easily accessible through an improved Town of Monroe website and better records management.

The most critical issue facing our town and village is the health and vitality of our business district. I plan to continue in my efforts to keep Monroe a great place to live, work and raise a family.