Sue Audette Appointed As Amherst Town Clerk
Audette was sworn into office on Tuesday (2/23) morning by Town Council President Lynn Griesemer. Photo:amherstma.gov
Source: amherstma.gov
Sue Audette, a member of the Town Clerk’s office for more than 15 years, was appointed as the Amherst Town Clerk by Town Manager Paul Bockelman. This appointment was approved by the Town Council at its meeting on February 22nd.
Audette was sworn into office on Tuesday (2/23) morning by Town Council President Lynn Griesemer.
Town Manager Bockelman praised Audette for stepping in to oversee the presidential election last fall and proving her mettle. “This was not a task she was expecting nor seeking. But she accepted the responsibility with grace and confidence,” Bockelman wrote. “And she led a strong team of Town staff, election workers, and volunteers to conduct a free and fair election under extremely trying circumstances.”
Audette said, “I am honored and proud to be the new Town Clerk in Amherst. My mission has always been to provide exceptional service while maintaining honesty, integrity and a respectful demeanor to the residents of Amherst. I will continue to offer an environment of openness and cooperation in meeting the needs of all. I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life!”
As Town Clerk, Audette will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Town Clerk’s office. In his appointment memo, Bockelman said Audette will reach out to college students and communities that often don’t participate in elections, develop better customer service standards, such as offering services in multiple languages, and implement more technology and online services. She will also be responsible for implementing Ranked-Choice Voting, if that is approved by the State Legislature.
Audette has been serving as temporary town clerk since Shavena Martin began a leave in September and then departed from the position in December. She is also a justice of the peace, a notary public commissioner, and a burial agent.
A screening committee interviewed four applicants and forwarded one finalist to Bockelman for an interview. That committee, chaired by Human Resources Director Donna-Rae Kenneally, also included Licensing Coordinator Steven McCarthy, Jennifer Moyston, administrative assistant to the Town Manager and Human Resources and Human Rights departments, Director of Senior Services Mary Beth Ogulewicz, and Nancy Talbot, Ware’s town clerk and president of the New England Association of Town Clerks.