Candidate for Town Clerk: Lisa Craig
Phone: 978.239.8843
Website/Social Media: Craig4Clerk@gmail.com
Candidate Background:
• Chair, Board of Assessors, Town of Wenham (2008-present) • Assessing Clerk, Town of Ipswich (2020-present) • Justice of the Peace (2008-present) • Notary Public (2008-present) • Co-Chair, Hamilton-Wenham Varsity Touchdown Club (2012-2016) • Helped serve the needs of Family Promise North Shore, coordinating the Hamilton-Wenham Football Team in a donation drive, giving the boys an understanding of the needy in other communities while helping the newly homeless to return to economic self-sufficiency. • Patient Service Rep./Revenue Cycle Management/Administrative support, Lahey/Northeast Health Systems (2017-2020) • Certified Real Estate Appraiser (1998-2003) • Endicott Junior College, Travel & Tourism Degree Program (2 years) • MAAO Professional Designation Program – promoting professionalism in the field of Assessing • IT Support Training for Microsoft Word and PowerPoint • JMB Real Estate Appraisal License & Certification Program • Conflict of Interest Law Certification • Mortgage Banking Training: credit report analysis, documentation, regulatory compliance, QA,QC
1) What experience and skills do you have that would make you the best candidate for the Town Clerk?
I believe it is of the utmost importance that our Town elect someone who brings to the position and our community a known and trusted reputation, as well as the right temperament, knowledge, and skills. I have learned from my 13 years on the Wenham Board of Assessors (currently as Chair) what is key in a position similar (and in the same building!) to that of the Town Clerk, including complying with state and local statutes.
2) If elected, what would be your top two priorities as Wenham’s Town Clerk?
My top two priorities will be to serve the people of Wenham to the best of my abilities, and to focus on enhancing the work of the previous Town Clerk. Much has been accomplished but there is always more that can be done. I feel it is imperative to work collaboratively with other departments. For example, I know from my experience with the Assessors Office, that in assisting seniors and veterans, utilizing my knowledge of statutory real estate exemptions (reduction of taxes) and the qualifying guidelines, I will be able to bridge the two departments. Additionally, it is important to find ways to generate revenue; my goal on this would be to do more research on grant opportunities. For example those outlined in the MIIA (Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association), a membership service of the MMA (Massachusetts Municipal Association). There needs to be more research done, but is an area that deserves investigation. Above and beyond these priorities and of the utmost importance is to enhance the Town Clerk position with my knowledge and experience.