vote yes on Proposition 2

The Town Clerk and Receiver of Taxes are elected officials.   

A town clerk's duties are broad and include managing official records, issuing licenses and permits, overseeing elections, and preparing agendas and minutes for town meetings. They serve as the official keeper of municipal documents, administer oaths, and act as a public liaison between residents and town government. The role is also responsible for financial record-keeping and ensuring compliance with public record laws.  

The receiver of taxes (also known as a tax collector) is responsible for the billing, collection, and administration of various local taxes and fees. 

Historically, towns have kept the roles of clerk and tax collector separate.  The idea was it would prevent fraud.  Before credit cards and checks, I'm sure it was much easier to 'misplace' funds.  But today, a digital trail does that for us.  

Because the Receiver of Taxes is such a small governmental role, the hours for the position vary.  It's rare to find the elected official in Town Hall without an appointment.   The salary for the part time job isn't much.  The mandatory health benefits are a bit more.  The real advantage to combining the roles is the accessibility for the residents of Goshen.  With the Town Clerk assuming the duties of the Tax Collector, you are sure to find someone to answer your tax questions anytime Town Hall is open.  

The current term for the Town Clerk is two years.  The Clerk does not make laws or spend our tax dollars.  That's on the Town Board.  I'm happy to elect the Clerk to a four year term.  I think the Town Board could have made this a separate proposition, but here we are.  I would vote yes on a four year term if it were a separate proposition.

Proposition 2 will save the taxpayers money and make our government more accessible.  I don't see a down side here.   I will vote YES to Proposition 2.  I hope you will too!