An Interview with Town Clerk Candidate Geri Holland

Assistant Town Clerk Geri Holland pulled papers on Tuesday, February 26, making her bid for town clerk official. Holland is currently employed as the assistant town clerk, having been appointed to that position in March 2012. Prior to that, Holland worked in the town manager’s office for more than 10 years, beginning in 1996. She has been a Hopkinton resident for 30 years, and began her community involvement when her son attended Center School after the family’s move to Hopkinton from upstate New York.

Holland says that when she learned that Town Clerk Ann Click was considering retirement, she talked to Click about the position and believed that it would be a natural progression for her to move into the role, if elected. In the time that she has spent serving as Click’s assistant Holland says she has come to more fully appreciate the both the importance of the job and it requirements.

“There’s a lot to be done in this office, “said Holland, “and the adherence to state laws is very important.”

Holland also says that her time in the selectmen’s office for the past 16 years has given her the knowledge and experience to understand many of the town’s by-laws, committees and the ins and outs of Town Meeting. Since taking the job as assistant town clerk, Holland has also begun a three-year certification course offered by the Massachusetts Town Clerk’s Association and is a graduate of the MetroWest Leadership Academy, a Framingham-based organization focused on increasing civic engagement.

“I understand all the guidelines and timelines that are involved with many of the activities related to the town clerk’s position, “said Holland. “I believe that experience will greatly benefit me if I am elected.”

When asked if she had any final words to the voters of Hopkinton, Holland had this to say, “I believe that if you have met me and know me through the years, that you will already understand that I will have a strong work ethic, “said Holland. “I hope that the voters will have the trust and confidence in me to elect me as the next town clerk, and I would greatly appreciate it if you would vote for me at the town election in May.”

Holland is running as an un-enrolled candidate and to date is currently unopposed. The last day to file nomination papers is Monday, April 1 and the annual town election takes place on Monday, May 20.