Also, Anna Whitney (Republican and Your Choice) is running unopposed for town clerk.

The Lake Placid News sent questionnaires to candidates running in the contested race. Below is the response from Kimberly E. Smith.

–

Kimberly E. Smith

–

Age: 50

Occupation: Administrative assistant for the Real Property Tax Services Office of Essex County

Position sought: Town councilor

–

Q: Why are you running for this position?

A: As the former town clerk, I witnessed policies and procedures that were not upheld. I am running for a seat on the town board to address those concerns and obtain a voice to assist with correcting them.

–

Q: What are your qualifications?

A: I have worked in municipal government since 2004. I was the records clerk for the town of Queensbury for 11 years and then promoted to the deputy tax receiver for six years. Both of those positions were held in the town clerk’s office. I have knowledge and experience with town procedures, balancing of financials, local government policies and the importance of working as a team both within and outside of the organization. Those past positions allowed me to attend annual conferences and the ability to stay abreast of changes to laws and regulations.

Upon moving to the town of Keene, I ran for and was elected the town clerk for Keene. My term began on Jan. 1, 2022. That position allowed me the opportunity to use the experience that I had previously gained. As town clerk, I witnessed policies, laws and procedures that were subpar. Due to this, it led to me resigning. I am currently working as the administrative assistant in the Real Property Tax Services Office of Essex County. This position has allowed me to learn about the importance of accurate property assessments and the process in which they are calculated.

–

Q: What are your main goals?

A: If elected, my primary goals for the position of town council will be:

– To increase the transparency in the Keene government by assisting with following the Open Meetings Law. In addition to the meeting agendas being posted, it is important that all town board members have the same information provided to them for review prior to meetings. It is equally important that the information is provided to the public as well. This leads to informed residents that will have the opportunity to address issues and concerns alongside the town board.

– To foster accountability for the balancing and acceptance of reports, the upkeep of town property (buildings, fields, parks, equipment) and respect for town employees, town residents, volunteers, visitors and other members of the town board. The town board is the source in which our residents look to for guidance and trust. For residents to feel comfortable doing so, the board itself must work together respectfully and professionally. I look forward to helping in these efforts.

– ADA Compliance and EOE (Equal Opportunity Employment): The town buildings do not have ADA compliant/handicap accessible restrooms. One of my focuses will be to look for grants and funding to assist the town with fulfilling these needs. Also, when there are vacancies for any positions within the town of Keene, I will request and assist with appropriately posting them to the town of Keene website and encourage all interested applicants to apply.

–

Q: What do you think are the three biggest problems in the town, and how do you propose solving them?

A: – Lack of transparency for board members and the residents they serve;

– Lack of accountability and respect; and

– Necessity for ADA Compliance and Equal Opportunity Employment.

(Proposed solutions are listed above.)

–

Q: Other comments to voters?

A: If elected, it will enable me to have a voice and a vote at the town board meetings to address the issues and concerns that I was not privy to address as the town clerk. My belief is that if you want to see change happen, be the one to pursue it. I appreciate your support and your vote. I can be reached at adksmith88@yahoo.com for any further questions you may have for me.