Paul Means Announces His Bid for Town Clerk Post
The longtime Stoneham resident is one of five people vying for the position.
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[Editor's note: The following information is from a press statement issued by Stoneham Town Clerk candidate Paul Means.]
Former Stoneham Board of Selectman and State Rep. Paul Means recently announced his candidacy for Town Clerk, according to a press statement. On April 3, Stoneham voters will choose someone to finish the final year of former Town Clerk John Hanright’s term.
In his announcement, Means said the following:
“I am running for Town Clerk to carry on the legacy of leadership set by the late John Hanright.
“John knew that the position of Town Clerk is more than just issuing licenses, keeping the town records, and supervising elections. The Town Clerk is also a leader for our community, and John was a quiet but very effective leader. He understood that the Town Clerk is a unique position in Stoneham. The Town Clerk is the only full-time elected official in Town Hall. The Town Administrator is important but the Town Administrator is appointed by and reports to the Selectmen; not to the people. In fact, the Town Administrator doesn’t even live in Stoneham.
“I agree with those who say that experience is important – leadership experience. I have extensive leadership experience here in Stoneham and on the state level. I am a former Stoneham teacher, a Stoneham Selectman, and State Representative. I served on the Board of Directors of the MBTA, and I have been appointed university and college trustee by (four) Governors. Most importantly, I served as Treasury Manager at MassHousing for 12 years. I was responsible for the daily operations of that Treasury Department where I supervised the staff with a portfolio of $4 billion. I am running for Town Clerk to bring my leadership skills to that position.
“A good Town Clerk should be a voice for the people on issues facing the town. John Hanright knew how important it was to take leadership on issues here in Stoneham. Early in his tenure, he chose the issue of public safety. After his sister Maryellen was killed crossing the street in another town, John led the effort to have our crosswalks painted blue, and he won. This year, the most important issue facing the town is whether we should borrow money to build a new middle school. I am the only candidate for Town Clerk to take a position on this issue and I spoke publicly at Town Meeting. I favor the new school. Where are the other candidates? Are they opposed?
“During this campaign, I have been out door-to-door, listening to voters in every neighborhood in Stoneham. I hear the same thing everywhere. Voters want an independent voice in Town Hall. They want effective leadership – the kind of leadership John Hanright provided. As your Town Clerk, I will try to continue in that tradition. Therefore, I would appreciate your consideration on April 3rd. In the meantime, you can follow my campaign on my website, Twitter or Facebook. Thank you.”
In This article
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Town of Stoneham Town Clerk
35 Central St, Stoneham, MA -
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Stoneham Middle School
101 Central St, Stoneham, MA -
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Stoneham Town Hall
35 Central St, Stoneham, MA
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Town of Stoneham: Town Administrator
35 Central St, Stoneham, MA
