Briggs to seek post of town clerk; Alex retires after 30 years in job

MILLBROOK — Chrissy Briggs is succeeding Mary Alex, who announced her retirement after 30 years as clerk for the Town of Washington, on July 24.

As this is an elected position, Briggs will serve as the appointed clerk through Dec.. 31, 2023, but will be running for election to the post on the Republican ballot.

Briggs has been serving as deputy clerk, so is familiar with the scope and depth of the work. Briggs is married with two children aged 9 and 12, and is a transplant from Long Island who has lived in this area for the past 18 years. Before working with Alex, Briggs was the court clerk to the justices in Town Court.

Alex described the position as “amazing,” and Briggs agreed. It’s a position that enables one to meet with the citizens of the town on a regular basis, through issuing licenses for hunting and fishing, sometimes issuing birth certificates for babies born at home, wedding licenses, and so many other duties. There is also sending out notices for taxes, the collection of taxes, and, in general, helping the town to run smoothly. Meetings have to be arranged, minutes taken, and the clerk works with all of the other departments on a variety of duties such as preparing budgets and bids, staying in touch with the county on municipal matters, and helping to keep communications running smoothly.

“I have big shoes to fill,” said Briggs. “Mary was here for 30 years. I’m taking it a day at a time. And the board has been very supportive.”

Noting that there is a lot going on in the town including short-term rentals, possible hospitality zone overlay changes, and much anticipated work at the town park, it could be overwhelming, but Briggs is taking that in stride: “Seventy-five percent of the legislation is underway on these issues. When anything new comes in, I’ll be there from the beginning, and I’ll learn as I go.

“I feel very lucky to work here,” she admitted. “There’s always something new to learn. The best part is that I get to work with the community, to provide them with the best customer service that I can. I work with great people, in the office and on the town board.”

This is her first time running for public office, but she feels confident that, with so much support and the good wishes and training she’s had from Alex, she’ll fill the position with efficiency and a keen sense of giving back to a community that embraced her 18 years ago.