By Niko Balkaran
One of the races to be decided in the November 3 general election is for Newburgh Town Clerk, where incumbent Lisa Vance-Ayers is being challenged by Jennifer Knox.
Republican Vance-Ayers is seeking her fourth term. She began in the Clerk’s Office as second deputy to Town Clerk Andrew Zarutskie. After his passing, she served as first deputy to Town Clerk Joseph Pedi before becoming Town Clerk. She has nearly a decade of experience in the Clerk’s Office. During her tenure, she introduced credit card payments, online dog license renewals and an online public records request portal, while continuing to digitize town records. Her focus is dependable service, transparency and making local government more accessible while maintaining the personal attention residents value.
Knox, the Democratic and Working Families Party candidate pledges to bring accessibility and open government to the office.
“My professional and life experience has been shaped by hard work, perseverance and personal growth. In my twenties I struggled with alcohol addiction, but through recovery and support of my community, I rebuilt my life, and have been sober for nearly 15 years. That experience has taught me the importance of compassion, personal accountability, and meeting people where they are without judgment,” Knox says. “I understand the value of hard work while working full time as operations manager, I put myself through college earning a bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz. Today as constituent liaison in Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson’s office, I help residents, resolve problems and help the services they need.”
The two candidates answered questions submitted by the Mid Hudson Times.
What do you believe is the most important responsibility of the Town Clerk, and what experience prepares you to perform it?
Vance-Avers - The most important responsibility is serving as a reliable connection between residents and their local government while safeguarding the town’s official records. Residents depend on us for everything from marriage licenses and vital records to public information and guidance. With nearly ten years in the office, I began as second deputy to Town Clerk Andrew Zarutskie, then served as first deputy to Town Clerk Joseph Pedi following Mr. Zarutskie’s passing, and now serve as Town Clerk. That progression has given me a thorough understanding of the position’s responsibilities and our residents’ everyday needs. This work requires accuracy, compassion, discretion and follow-through.
Knox - That most important responsibility of the Clerk’s office is to be a reliable source of accurate information which is easily accessible, follow the applicable laws and maintain official records responsibly. The Town Clerk is often the first and sometimes the only interaction residents have with town government residents. It’s the customer service of the town. It’s important that the clerk’s office be a reliable source of accurate information. My over 20 years experience and operations taught me how to improve efficiency and solve problems. In my current role as the constituent liaison for Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson’s office, I help constituents navigate government bureaucracies and get results every day. That problem solving and efficiency approach is something I will carry into my work as Town Clerk.
What changes, if any, would you make to how residents request and receive public records from the town?
Vance-Ayers - I have already implemented an online FOIL portal to make public records requests easier and improve tracking. Our office handles more than 1,500 requests annually. My next focus would be improving coordination among departments so records are provided promptly and residents receive clear updates. The portal is an important tool, but timely responses also require cooperation throughout town government. I would continue assisting residents who prefer to submit requests without using the online system.
Knox - If information is public, it should be on our website, and easy to find. I don’t want to waste people’s time by having to put in a Freedom Of Information Law (FOIL ) request. I would prioritize making public records in an easy to understand format on our town website. For residents that are not comfortable with using technology, I will make sure the records are available when people come into the office. Public information should be available and easy to access for everyone. I’ve experienced the frustration that others have when dealing with the clerks office or accessing our website seeking information.
Are there town records or services that you believe should be more accessible online, and what would you prioritize digitizing or modernizing?
Vance-Ayers - Modernization has been an ongoing priority throughout my tenure. We have introduced credit card payments, online dog license renewals and the FOIL portal, and we continue scanning and digitizing records. Whenever possible, we have digitized services or made them more accessible through the Clerk’s Office.
I regularly attend conferences and training sessions to find better ways to serve residents. I have implemented the ideas I bring back to our office. Continuing education helps me stay informed, and I am always looking for ways to improve.
I also recognize that the town’s website could be more accessible and user-friendly. It is maintained at the Supervisor’s level rather than by the Town Clerk’s Office. I would welcome the opportunity to work closely with the new Supervisor to help residents find documents, services and clear instructions more easily. I also want to advance electronic Town Board meeting materials to reduce paper use and improve access to information.
Further progress requires participation across town departments. Although the Town Clerk is the town’s records keeper, each department must organize and digitize the records it maintains. That cooperation would make information easier to retrieve and help us respond more efficiently. I would support exploring grant opportunities to fund this work while protecting confidential information.
Knox - I will start with the information and services that are used most often. I would work towards adding convenient online options for paying water bills, sewer bills and renewing dog licenses. I would make forms digital so you don’t have to print, fill out, scan and send back. Modernizing these services will save those residents who want to access online, time and energy.
The Town Clerk plays an important role in making public information accessible. I want to make sure that public notices, council meeting agendas and minutes, information about major developments projects and environmental reviews are easy to find on our website. I also want to make the bidding process transparent and accessible online so residents can better understand how their tax dollars are being spent. Residents should be able to learn what is being proposed, understand the review process and know when and how they can participate before decisions are made.
The clerk interacts directly with residents seeking licenses, permits, records and other services. What would you do to make the office more accessible and responsive to residents?
Vance-Ayers - Accessibility means being available when residents need help. We have tried extended office hours, but usage did not justify continuing them. My approach is to combine convenient online services with personal attention and flexibility.
I have often come in on weekends, met residents after hours or stayed late to accommodate a couple applying for a marriage license. I have also delivered death certificates to funeral homes when needed. These are practical ways I make myself and the office accessible without wasting tax dollars on overtime.
I would continue that approach, along with clear instructions, dependable follow-up and welcoming service by phone and in person. Our office is frequently complimented for its friendly, helpful service, and maintaining that standard is a priority. Online services provide convenience, while personal assistance remains essential, especially for older residents and anyone needing additional support.
Knox - As stated above I will work towards adding convenient on-line options, for paying water bills, sewer bills and renewing dog licenses. Another priority of mine is to offer extended evening hours and explore Saturday hours to accommodate a resident’s schedule. I think responsiveness is easy. It takes very little time and effort to respond to any request or question. I will never let more than 24 hours go by without an acknowledgement a request was received. Some matters will require research or coordination, but a resident should know their inquiry was recieved. I want to make it as easy and convenient as possible, by adding modern options and expanding hours to fit the need for all residents.
The Town Clerk must serve residents regardless of political affiliation while also maintaining official government records. How would you ensure that the office operates independently, transparently and consistently?
Vance-Ayers - Political affiliation does not come into play at our service window. We do not ask residents which party they belong to, and in most cases, we would not know. People come to us for assistance, and our focus is providing it with courtesy, professionalism and care.
Our staff represent different political affiliations, and we work together to serve our community. Those differences have no bearing on our responsibilities or how we treat residents.
I would continue applying the same requirements and procedures to everyone, maintaining accurate official records and handling access according to the law. Residents deserve an office they can trust to operate fairly, independently, transparently and consistently. We are one community, and my responsibility is to serve the entire community.
Knox - I don’t care about political affiliation, I care about helping people. In my current position in constituent services, I help people everyday regardless of their political beliefs. As Town Clerk, I will ensure consistent records management, follow applicable laws, and apply the same procedures to everybody, regardless of political affiliation.