BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

CANTON -- The challenger for the town supervisor seat feels it’s time for a change in leadership at the town level.

Karen McAuliffe is running on the Republican, Conservative and Unity party lines, opposing incumbent Mary Ann Ashley, Democrat and Focused on the People parties.

“I decided to run for town supervisor because I believe that it’s time for a new direction and vision for the board,” McAuliffe stated. “I was encouraged when three local people stepped up to challenge the open council seats and thought someone should also challenge the supervisor position.”

“I have ideas for changes I would like to implement but first I would want to get acclimated to the job. I would also like to take a look at the current arrangement for accounts payable and payroll,” she continued.

If elected, McAuliffe said she would strive to create a renewed sense of wholeness and unification in town government.

“The main goal initially is to restore the integrity and ownership of the town government back to what is in the best interest of the community, employees and taxpayers,” McAuliffe said. “To accomplish this we will encourage public input and comments at monthly meetings and through daily communication and true transparency.”

She pointed out that her financial background and experience in Human Services will prove beneficial as town supervisor.

“There has been a lot of turnover lately among the staff and I’m hopeful with my Human Resources background I can help in the retention of employees,” she said. “I am also hoping with my financial background and the assistance of staff members, to reduce the expense of accounting services currently being paid to an outside CPA firm.”

“I would like to expand on the local Recreation Department programs, I would like to encourage more economic development. There’s been discussions for a while on development of the Grasse River waterfront. I think we need to take advantage of that asset,” she remarked.

And if elected, what challenges would she expect to face?

“I’m not sure what I believe will be the biggest challenge ahead for Canton. I have followed recent conversations regarding local solar power and infrastructure. I realize that the supervisor and board will be involved in these issues, but I would like time to listen to the experts in their respective fields prior to voicing my opinion,” said McAuliffe.

“In the short term I think we should address issues that have arisen due to the recent pandemic. For example broadband capability for more areas and how we can assist our local small businesses to be successful.

“I would like to the ask for the community’s support as I hope to make a difference in all the areas represented in the town of Canton, including our neighboring village and hamlets that also depend on the local government to make the best choices for all of us.”