Greenwich Election 2021 Profile: Molly Saleeby For Town Clerk

GREENWICH, CT — Election Day on Nov. 2 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Greenwich.

Patch reached out to candidates for local office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the town.

Democrat Molly Saleeby is running for Greenwich Town Clerk.

Occupation: Administration

Family: Lifelong resident. Attended the public schools along with my five siblings, and six nieces and nephews.

Experience: RTM District 8 Vice Chair

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

Infrastructure/Safety. Aging capital assets, both Town and School properties, should be on an accelerated timetable for renovations and replacements in order to meet today's standards and requirements for general construction, ADA compliance, air quality, energy efficiency, and 21st-century classroom learning, to name a few.

Town properties need more frequent and enhanced maintenance. We should invest more in our amazing portfolio. Greenwich is a very special town. Increased traffic, substandard fire turnout and response times and inadequate fire coverage in the Northwest are major safety concerns. I will continue to be a tireless advocate and a voice for others, just as I have regularly been these last several years with Greenwich Public Schools, and the Board of Education and the BET (Finance Board).

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

On my own accord I've put myself forward to run for this important office for the 2nd time because I love my hometown of Greenwich and I have a public service heart and mind. The Town Clerk is guardian of the public trust. I'm immersed in this community, having volunteered through the years with Greenwich Hospital, Armstrong Court Preschool, Parking Services, North Mianus PTA, the RTM, and Diamond Hill Church as its treasurer.

I’m a passionate supporter of our schools and our students and the Town. I just completed training for United Way's Reading Champions program so I can assist select students of Greenwich Public Schools with reading support. The Town Clerk is also Secretary of the RTM. I'm a very active and involved RTM member and already rather familiar with this responsibility of the Clerk. I was elected Secretary of District 8 in my first term and I'm now Vice Chair. And in an elected position, I believe the people are best served by those chosen based on qualifications, merit, and experience alone and that dynasties have no place.

Accomplishments:

The most important duty of the Town Clerk's office is to ensure top-notch service in a transparent manner for all users including residents, the general public, businesspeople, real-estate brokers, attorneys and the RTM. Answering the needs of others is gratifying for me and I was recognized with a company award for "outstanding client service".

As a former director in the Membership and Development division of public television station Thirteen/ WNET New York, I am adept at working with a lean staff and tight budget. In my first year of managing an underperforming but major and high-profile fundraising initiative, I decreased expenses 20 percent and increased revenue 150 percent, far exceeding the budget goals. In my corporate and professional life I've always been asked to take on more than average because I am skilled in managing a heavy workload with multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. With its literally hundreds of state-mandated responsibilities, this strength will serve me well in the Town Clerk role.

Other issues:

Provide exemplary customer service in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere; streamline processes; offer more online services; adjust office hours to benefit working people.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I have excellent judgment and am highly motivated and productive. I pay attention to detail with an eye always on the big picture. I am very efficient and energetic. The best compliment a boss ever gave me was to tell me I raise the bar.