New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Mickens, Saller face off in primary for town clerk race
HAMDEN — A change is coming to the Hamden town clerk’s office.
With longtime Town Clerk Vera Morrison retiring after more than 20 years, two main contenders have emerged to fill her seat: Karimah Mickens and Melinda Saller.
They will compete in a primary Tuesday.
After the Democratic Town Committee endorsed Mickens to run alongside their chosen mayoral candidate Lauren Garrett, Saller, who currently sits on the Board of Education, announced she would run on incumbent Mayor Curt Balzano Leng’s ticket.
Leng and Saller are part of a slate of challengers that petitioned their way onto the September primary ballot. They will appear on Row B, while the DTCendorsed candidates will appear on Row A.
We asked Mickens and Saller what they wanted to accomplish in the office and why they were the best choice for town clerk.
Here’s what they said. Answers are based on written responses to a Hearst Connecticut Media questionnaire.
Karimah Mickens
Mickens recently retired and transitioned to consulting after 20 years of holding leadership positions in both nonprofit and corporate organizations, she said. During her career she successfully advanced her organizations’ priorities and was valued for “fostering a culture of collaboration,” she said.
She has served as a project manager for Verizon Communications, director of the women’s association of Verizon employees and board president of the Stamfordbased nonprofit RF Youth Boxing, she said. She currently serves as the DTC’s secretary.
“I am (a) passionate, visionary leader committed to advancing strategic initiatives through bold, integrity-driven leadership and community engagement,” she said when asked what makes her the best fit for the job. “I am accomplished in operations management, analytic driven approaches to problem solving and establishing processes to ensure compliance. I see the possibilities and execute a plan to get there.”
Asked how she would ensure the office operates independently and without political influence, Mickens noted the law governs town clerk duties. “Through transparency and accountability, I will adhere to all state and local policies with the highest level of professionalism and integrity,” she said.
Top challenges/goals for the town clerk’s office:
1. Creating a successful transition plan for the current clerk’s retirement.
2. Responding to COVID to ensure residents can “safely” and “efficiently” access services.
3. Acquiring funds for technological improvements.
Strategies for running the office:
1. Remove language and building access barriers and educate residents about voting access.
2. “Understand the various cultures that make up Hamden” and “conduct needs assessments”; develop a communication plan for all stakeholders and a measurement system to define when her team meets goals.
3. Pursue grant funding in technology and innovation.
Melinda Saller
Saller has served on the Board of Education for six years and currently holds the title of secretary. She previously held leadership roles in several Parent Teacher Associations, including the West Woods PTA and the Connecticut PTA, she said.
She is as a procurement operations manager for
Watson Inc./Glanbia Nutrition, where she has gained experience in customer service, contract negotiations and leadership, she said, adding that she also works as a real estate agent.
“I am an honest, hardworking (and) trustworthy person. My extensive experience in customer services management, PTA, civic and elected leadership and employee development has prepared me with the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful Town Clerk,” Saller said. “I am committed to making my office and myself always available to serve the needs of all residents.”
Asked how she would ensure the office operated independently and without political influence, Saller said she has been advocating for all town residents for more than two decades and will continue to do so.
With longtime Town Clerk Vera Morrison retiring after more than 20 years, two main contenders have emerged to fill her seat: Karimah Mickens and Melinda Saller. They will compete in a primary Tuesday.
Top challenges/goals for the town clerk’s office:
1. “Implementing a streamlined process for accomplishing municipal tasks” to ensure “the best quality service to the community.”
2. Making the office “more cost effective, time efficient and customer friendly.”
3. “Embracing technology” to make municipal tasks more accessible to online customers.
Strategies for running the office:
1. Hold weekly meetings with staff “to keep an open line of communication,” “provide transparency” and “recognize where we can streamline tasks.”
2. Create a media strategy to “(raise) the profile of the town clerk’s office and solicit feedback” from residents.
3. “Be cognizant of protecting our customers personal records” while also embracing technology.