Name: Mary L. Clements

Age: 72

Biography: Massive- I’ve done al lot in 72 years!

• Greater than 50 years of experience in personnel and materials management and employee training and education
• Wide range of employment settings including military, federal, large and small institutions, public and private sector, private contractor
• Positions include management, education and training officer, employee selection and evaluation
• Developed policy and procedure manuals
• Developed civilian education programs
• Trained and experienced in conflict resolution and mediation
• Cross platform computer literacy including PC and Macintosh systems Extensive experience with severely physically disabled individuals including technical equipment and transportation limitations
• Strong understanding of ADA compliance
• Content development for new continuing education programs at Eastern Shore Community College

Relevant business experience

• 25 year history in my industry (professional picture framing)
• Creative and archival material management
• Service businesses, private patrons, artists and students
• Local, regional, national and international clients, many of whom are repeat customers
• Classified and general document preservation
• ALL business management including scheduling, material and supply control, inventory, payment handling including credit card processing, disposal of hazardous material, general and sales tax preparation

Owner, large commercial building

• 25 year history of ownership
• Six thousand square foot, two story building
• Located literally in the heart of the Onancock Downtown Business District
• Easily visible from the Onancock dock and entrance to downtown area
• Perform or contract all repairs and building maintenance
• Experience with landlord/tenant relationship
• Only candidate running that both owns and runs a successful business and building in the commercial district

Volunteer association

• Eastern Shore Artisans Guild, secretary
• Eastern Shore Art League, secretary
• Member, OBCA (early years)
• OVFD, EMT training and education, fund-raising
• Eastern Shore Habitat for Humanity
• Eastern Shore Public Library

Why are you running for this office?

I am deeply concerned about a lack of communication between the town council and the general tax payers of the town. I believe the population is not fully informed about the extent of the town’s assets and their value and use. Critical infrastructure should have greater safety measures- for example- computer systems that run town tax information and the water system. I believe there needs to be a greater investment in town employees and the general population safety.

What is your view on growth management in your community?

A very small population of tax payers support the infrastructure that is used by other entities- a large housing complex is planned for just outside of the town limits. They have requested town water support. If our wells fail due to the large withdraw of water, the town residents will have to support drilling a new well- very expensive and, again, totally dependent on the tax payers. Growth is inevitable, but should benefit all residents, not just those who have the loudest voice at the time.

What is your view on taking money from individuals who will likely have business before the city?

Not gonna happen- I don’t even have lawn signs. All costs are out of pocket- mine.

How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree?

I have training and an extensive background in conflict resolution. I can listen to an opposing view, analyze the pros and cons of that view, reshape my hypothesis, and determine my conviction. All ideas are valuable. I can still bring an issue tot he council and fight for that individuals right to express their concerns without agreeing with the view. Hopefully, if I find my decision still well grounded, I can present the constituent with facts.