To the Editor:

I appreciate this opportunity to share my decision to run for Canton Town Supervisor.

There are areas in town government that I believe could use improvement and with my background, I will be instrumental in making positive changes with the board and citizens' support.

We need to assess the root causes of the excessive staffing turnover and my fourteen years in Human Resource management will be a valuable tool. That experience, along with my affiliations to other local organizations (School Board, United Helpers Board, Zoning Board of Appeals), will be essential to professionally manage relationships with employees, taxpayers and the surrounding communities.

From my HR background, I have experience in union and employee contract negotiations as well as development of employee handbooks and employee training.

Along with a qualified team, one goal is to return some of the outsourced financial responsibilities back to the town officials; the proposed 2022 budget line for this expenditure is about $60,000.

My twenty-year career in real estate will be beneficial during assessment reviews and potential property development which is our town's largest revenue source.

I would like to streamline the number of Board meetings and Executive Sessions required while maintaining transparency with the public during all meetings.

The Town Supervisor is a part-time position and with proper structure, the right team, empowering the town department heads and eliminating micromanagement, the position will remain part-time. However, we will devote the time needed to ensure that the governing requirements of the town and residents are met.

I have been a Canton resident most of my adult life. We raised our children, all of whom work, own homes and are raising their families here. My passion in keeping Canton a great place to live is personal, just like it is for all the citizens of Canton.

Additional goals that we will focus on are continuing the expansion of the Recreation department, including summer programs for school age children and following through with a development plan for the waterfront.

On the November ballot I am grateful to be on the Conservative and Independent lines, and honored to be endorsed by the Republican party.

There will be a meet the candidate event on Thursday, Oct. 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at 8 Stillman Drive in Canton. Please stop in for an opportunity to meet me and share your questions and concerns.

Karen McAuliffe
Candidate for Canton Town Supervisor