by Frank Schroth

James Mullen who served as Milton Town Clerk for over 30 years has endorsed Susan Galvin, currently assistant town clerk and someone with whom he worked, to be the next Town Clerk.

Galvin has cited her experience to date in the Clerk’s office as an asset and that it uniquely qualifies her for the job as she has overseen elections, recorded votes at town meeting and attended to other clerk functions.  Her opponents, Mike Joyce and Marion McEttrick have different points of view regarding experience.

Joyce has said it is time for a fresh perspective in the Clerk’s office and McEttrick has stated that the town needs an independent town clerk.

In making the endorsement Mullen said, “Susan is the most qualified person for this job and the most knowledgeable, and she is apolitical. The clerk needs to be impartial. She is the most knowledgeable about the operations of the office. She is conducting the job.”

Prior to leaving office Mullen oversaw the redistricting of Milton’s precincts. The number of precincts was reduced from 11 to 10 and precincts were redrawn to meet shifts in population as reflected in the most recent census. Mr. Mullen also moved two of the polling locations. Precinct 3 moved from Glover School to Cunningham Park and Precinct 2 moved from St. Mary’s to the Council on Aging. Galvin endorses the changes that were made. Mr. Joyce has said that, if elected, he will move the polling locations for precincts 2 and 3 back to their original locations. Ms. McEttrick has said she is unsure  if the changes were the right thing to do but does feel a better process could have been followed. Some residents felt blind sided by the changes and why they were made. Redistricting takes place, if needed, every 10 years due to shifts in population as indicated by the census.