To the Editor:

What does it take to be a successful Town Clerk?

Being an effective Town Clerk requires more than just a desire to hold the job, it takes extensive education and hands-on experience.

In Connecticut, the first certification to attain is the Connecticut Certified Town Clerk

(CCTC) which takes approximately two-and-a-half years to complete. Five education modules that need to be completed are: 1. Land Records 2. Vital Records 3. Elections 4. Records Management 5. Miscellaneous Records/Other Duties of Town Clerks.

Once the CCTC is achieved, the three-year journey to Master Connecticut Town Clerk

(MCTC) certification can begin. The program has an extensive and rigorous educational component and a professional and social contribution component. The Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) program is an advanced continuing education program that prepares participants to perform complex municipal duties.

The town of Newtown has financially invested in these certifications for Debbie Aurelia Halstead. And she has personally and professionally invested her heart and soul into achieving both of these certifications, as well as always seeking ways to better serve the residents of Newtown.

Prior to becoming town clerk, she worked as Assistant Town Clerk for several years learning the day-to-day operations of the office. That experience was vital to her accepting the responsibility of the title of Town Clerk. Her other titles include Registrar of Vital Statistics, Notary, Webmaster, Election Official and Municipal Veterans Representative.

Debbie Aurelia Halstead has proven her commitment to this town and the office of the Town Clerk. Let’s thank her by re-electing her next Tuesday, Nov. 2!

Vida Stone, CCTC

Monroe Town Clerk

Monroe