Northeastern US Clerks and Treasurers Stand in Opposition to Vermont Lawsuit

I plan to remain closed to the public for walk in traffic till this is pandemic is over. We are still working and we are working more than ever.

There is no way that I could safely reopen my doors. We've had no complaints and are continuing to serve the townspeople in a timely manner

Every Municipality is different in size and abilities. During this trying time it has been difficult to find a proper balance of providing service and keeping our employees and residents safe. In order to keep our office running it has been imperative to adjust our working schedule and in person availability. Each municipality should have the choice to find the solution that works best for them.

Supporting the ability of Mayors to close facilities to the Public, while having Clerks/staff provide essential services (to attorneys) remotely.

As with many other professions, Clerks and Treasurers are working harder than ever during this pandemic time to keep their municipalities running smoothly. This frivolous lawsuit only serves to undermine that and wreck more havoc at a time when everyone needs to be working together.

Municipal clerks and employees work hard to provide services to our community. To do so effectively during COVID, has been challenging. The ability to limit exposure by reducing office hours for in person business is essential. Technology has allowed us to conduct business and serve our residents with very little reduction in services. This is a difficult time when we all should be working together not being sued for doing our job. This lawsuit is a waste of time and money.

I CONDEMN THIS ACTION IN THE STRONGEST TERMS AND HOPE THE VERMONT COURTS WILL REJECT IT AS MERITLESS

This lawsuit is disheartening and irresponsible. Town Clerks have worked very hard, going above and beyone to meet all responsibilities and requests of their residents as well as carry out extremely difficult elections in 2020. It is sad to see what little respect is given to this office. It is even sadder to see how little the health of the Clerks is considered.

As a fellow clerk, we too have restricted our office hours, but have continued to serve the public and their needs. This lawsuit is entirely baseless.

The municipal government has a right, and the responsibility, to provide services to its residents as it deems appropriate to protect the health and safety of staff and residents. The municipal work is still being completed even if buildings are closed to the public and reduced hours. Municipal government already operates with minimal staff and little cross training between departments. Government will shut down if one or more staff become ill or worse die because we failed to take precautions.

We need to keep our city and town clerks safe!!! I stand in solidarity with you!!!

We have learned during the time we have been closed to build a better mousetrap and found a way to serve our public and keep everyone safe. I'm not sure why anyone would want to change that as we approach a time when things might finally get better. Who runs your local government if the people who actually know how to run it get sick? This lawsuit is irresponsible folly.

I support the rights of a municipality to provide the services for our residents that we feel fits their needs. Health and Safety being one of the concerns.

As a Town Clerk myself, I am well aware how we have all had to go above and beyond in 2020 to run smooth elections as well as our day to day office needs. If the Clerk is exposed and the Clerk's Office goes down, you will be well aware of just how much is done in that office. How sad that you would be willing to jeopardize their health.

2020 proved to be a year that required all Clerks offices nationally to go above and beyond to implement new Covid-19 guidelines, institute creative ways to serve constituents and also administer the biggest election that many of us have seen in our professional careers. Most New England Clerks that I know worked nights, weekends and 60 plus hours to implement new Vote By Mail rules as well as perform our "regular" duties. This lawsuit shows a lack of understanding and care for the hard work that so many Clerks do to serve their communities.

This lawsuit is really egregious! 2020 has been an incredibly difficult time for all of us, but I think all Clerks have gone above and beyond to supply reasonable customer service to everyone. We are all human beings who are doing our best, but for some, it appears that is just not enough. How disheartening!

Standing in solidarity with you!

This lawsuit is disheartening. This pandemic has been an incredibly trying and tiring time. COVID is not a joke and has very real risks of death. As a Town Clerk, I take my job very seriously. I have worked an inordinate number of hours ensuring things continue to run smoothly while abiding by all the COVID restrictions. I have ensured, and continue to ensure, that all Land Record search requests are supported through completion while also protecting the health of our employees and townspeople.

Richmond has been taking proper precautions and assisting the public thru email and appointments to see land records in a timely manner. I believe all VT Clerks have been most accommodating to all. We have received no complaints.

I am saddened by this lawsuit filed against some of my fellow town clerks. COVID-19 has brought unprecedented times in which town clerks had to adjust to in order to provide services. Each town's ability to provide services looked different due to different circumstances. In these times, one size does not fit all and I hope the court sees that.