The Peru Gazette

Two candidates are competing for the Clinton County Clerk position. Brandi Lloyd on the Democratic and Working Families lines and John Zurlo on the Republican and Conservative Party lines. They were kind enough to respond to four Peru Gazette questions. (Please Share)

Brandi Lloyd

1. Summarize your educational background, primary employment, and a little about your family and past community and political involvement.

I graduated from Chazy Central Rural School in 1992 and from Clinton Community College in 1994. In 1996 I received my Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Plattsburgh and married my husband, Matt Lloyd. Matt and I raised our son, Ben, in Mooers. I enjoyed being a member of the Mooers Elementary Parent Teacher Group throughout Ben’s time there. I am also a member of the Mooers Beautification Committee. In 2013 I was appointed as Town Clerk/ Tax Collector. Shortly afterwards, I joined the Town of Mooers Democratic Committee as well as the Clinton County Democratic Committee. I was appointed Deputy Commissioner at the Board of Elections in 2016 and I continue to serve in this position currently. Five years ago, Matt donated his kidney to me after I suffered from kidney failure. We, as a family, are huge advocates of organ donation and living organ donation. Share your spare!

2. How would your background and/or successes assist you as a Clinton County Clerk?

As Deputy Commissioner at the Board of Elections, I have gained experience and knowledge that will greatly assist me in my role as County Clerk. I have been responsible for coordinating and supervising a team of election inspectors and coordinators, ensuring that all tasks are completed accurately and on time. This experience has honed my ability to effectively delegate responsibilities, manage resources, and maintain a smooth workflow. My experience in managing a team of inspectors while balancing the day-to-day operations of the BOE will be instrumental in ensuring the efficient functioning of the County Clerk’s office. In addition, as Deputy Commissioner I have been able to interact with a diverse range of individuals, including voters, candidates, as well as hundreds of election inspectors, which has enhanced my communication and interpersonal skills. My ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships will be crucial in providing excellent customer service and fostering collaboration. My experience as Deputy Commissioner has equipped me with the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to excel as County Clerk.

3. What are your three main goals for the upcoming term of office? 

The DMV have become increasingly frustrating for residents in our community. It is time for change and time that we address these issues to improve this vital government agency.  Once elected, I will concentrate all efforts on investing in additional staff to provide office hours more compatible with those we serve. Secondly, I will prioritize the adoption of modern technology, working towards the option of online appointment scheduling to help reduce the burden on both staff and customers. Third, improving the overall in-person experience for our customers by installing a take-a-number system while offering an appropriate seating area. Improving the office of the DMV is a reflection of our commitment to efficient governance and the satisfaction of those that visit the DMV.

4. If new resources were available, what one area of county clerk services would you feel most needs additional resources?

If new resources were available, I would immediately use them to improve the DMV. As your   County Clerk I will prioritize ensuring the processes of the DMV are more accessible to the public and evolve with the ever-changing needs of our county’s residents in the future. This goal will be achieved by continually updating the County Clerk’s website, providing more online services, and ensuring information is always readily available to you. My office will be accessible to you, and I will be there five days a week to listen to you and work to ensure we are always meeting your needs. 

John Zurlo

1.Summarize your educational background, primary employment, a little about your family, and past community and political involvement. 

I Taught Business Education and chaired the Business Department at NCCS for 34 years; was the Town of Champlain Tax Collector for 22 years; was the County Legislator representing Area One for 6 years and have dutifully served as the Clinton County Clerk for 28 years.

I have been married to Mary Hickey from Dannemora for 57 years and have two adult sons, John and Michael.

My community involvement has been very extensive having served on the Board of Directors of CVPH Medical Center; St. Mary’s Mission Center; St. Michael’s College Alumni Board and the North Country Cougar Youth Hockey Board. I am a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3525; a 60 year member of the Elks Club; the Northern Tier Salvation Army Coordinator; Lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s and St. Patrick’s churches and the recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Irishman of the Year Award and the Woodman of the World and Dewitt Clinton Masonic Award for outstanding community service.

2. How do your background and/or successes assist you as a Clinton County Clerk? 

My educational and business background serves me well in my position as County Clerk. My years as a teacher enable me to lead and treat people with courtesy, respect and kindness. My experience as a former business owner allows me to understand the concerns and problems of my constituents. My business background and experience also allows me to perform my banking and financial transactions in the Clerk’s office with utmost efficiency. 

3. What are your three main goals for the upcoming term of office?

1. (A) Modernization

In the next four years I plan to continue to modernize the office by back-filing more records enabling the public to do additional research and online genealogy study.

(B) Map DigitizationMany of our survey maps go back to the 17 and 18 hundreds are in badly need of repair or must be rebuilt. This is an extremely costly expense that would have to be funded by grant funds so this expense is not borne by the county tax payers. I will explore the availability of grant funding for this expense. 

(C) Customer Service

Another goal is to continue to provide maximum service delivered in a courteous, efficient and productive manner both in the Motor Vehicle Department and the Clerk’s office. 

4.  If new resources were available, what one area of county clerk services would you feel most needs additional resources?

As I said earlier, if new resources became available, I would repair and rebuild our late 1700 and early 1800 survey maps. This is a very costly expense that cannot be borne by the tax payers. In an effort to accomplish this I will apply for grant funding.

I have been honored to serve as your County Clerk and would like the opportunity to again serve you in this capacity.

John Zurlo