WESTFORD — WestfordCAT contacted each candidate running in the Annual Town Election. Candidates were given the same exact questions and were encouraged to answer them how they saw fit.
Lynn Clermont is an incumbent on the J.V. Fletcher Library Board of Trustees running for reelection.
Experience and Education
Clermont has a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics and Masters of Science in Computer Science from the University of Lowell. She also has a Masters of Science in Library Science from the University of Southern Connecticut.
Clermont spent 30 years as a software engineer for a number of companies, including Western Electric, AT&T and Nokia. She spent eight years as the Assistant Director of the Boylston Public Library.
Past/Present Municipal Experience
She has served one three year term as the treasurer for the J.V. Fletcher Library Board of Trustees.
Volunteer participation, community involvement
Clermont is a cub scout den leader, library volunteer and a Westford Food Pantry volunteer.
What should voters know about you?
“I decided to run for the Library Trustee board for a second term because the library is a town institution that I am passionate about,” Clermont told WestfordCAT in an email.
She continued, “Director Ellen Rainville, Assistant Director Kristina Leedberg, and the members of the Library Trustees are a pleasure to work with. Being part of the Library Building Project will make this term on the Trustee Board especially rewarding.
Why do you believe voters should choose you?
“I have lived in Westford for 35 years, raising a family and enjoying the many activities Westford offers. An active user of the J.V. Fletcher library’s collection and programs, I am well aware of the benefits the library provides to the community,” she wrote.
“I also worked at the Boylston Public Library for 8 years as the Assistant Director which gives me a background in the operations of a library.”
She believes this prior experience in Boylston translates to the current J.V. Fletcher Library Expansion Project, which is slated to break ground in 2024.
“During this time, the library went through a large renovation project which gives me experience relevant to the J.V. Fletcher Library Building Project. Lastly, I have been the treasurer of the J. V. Fletcher Board of Library Trustees for the past 3 years and have learned a great deal and thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Board.
If elected, what impact do you hope to make?
Clermont says a major goal of her term and the board of trustees will be starting the J.V. Fletcher Expansion Project.
“A major goal of the Library Trustees this term will be working with the Permanent Town Building Committee in the design and execution of the Library Building Project. This will also entail planning for off-site library operations and services during the construction,” she wrote.
Clermont clarifies that sustainability is a major focus for the project.
“The Sustainability Coordinator, Sue Thomas, and the Westford Clean Energy and Sustainability Committee will also be working with us on design of the building to include Westford’s Net-Zero goals,” she wrote.
She continued, “The Library Trustees will also be working with the Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library in launching the J.V. Fletcher Library Foundation to pursue fund raising for the Library Construction Project. Joint meetings have already started and are open to the public.”
Even with a major focus on the expansion, current services and offerings must continue to meet the needs of residents.
“Equally important will be the continued support from the Trustees on policies that ensure exemplary library services to the public including support of the initiative from the Town and School Safety Task Force and the Town Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee,” she wrote.
Candidate’s Minute
Candidates were offered the opportunity to record a two to five minute Candidate’s Minute with WestfordCAT.
