CANTON -- Karin Blackburn, Rensselaer Falls, has announced her candidacy for Canton town clerk.

“I am excited to announce my candidacy for Canton Town Clerk,” Blackburn said, in an official announcement to local media. “My professional and community service experience make me well suited to execute the duties of this office.”

Blackburn’s 20-plus years of office administration work in higher education and the non-profit world give her the background and skills necessary to ensure that the clerk’s office functions at the highest level possible. Her experience includes project management and record keeping, human resources, budget and finances, board management and relations, event planning, website creation and content administration, and customer service.

A member of the Rensselaer Falls Fire Department since 2011, Blackburn is a scene support firefighter and the department secretary. She assists the chiefs with all aspects of departmental management, including record keeping and information and data management; she also plans and manages community events such as fire prevention open houses, children’s events, and fundraising events, works with the department treasurer to write and submit grants on behalf of the department, and serves as liaison with outside constituents, community members, and businesses.

“Being in the clerk’s position since January 1 has made it clear to me that the person filling this position must be highly self-motivated, forward thinking and technologically proficient, and have a strong work ethic,” says Blackburn. “Along with being organized, accurate, and efficient, I bring all of those qualities to the office.”

As clerk she will provide administrative support to existing departments and committees, and plans to continue demonstrating improvements in customer service, efficiency, and accountability. Her goals are to modernize the office, increase online access to public documents, and add services residents can do from home, the announcement said.

“I am ready to make a difference for the Town of Canton and its community members,” Blackburn said.

Candidates for town office must gather signatures on petitions by the end of March in order to have their name placed on the November ballot.

To learn more about Blackburn’s candidacy, background, and experience, and to contact her directly with questions and suggestions, visit her campaign website at blackburnforclerk2021.com.