Clifton Town Elections: Deborah Dillard

The town of Clifton elections are coming up on Tuesday, May 1. The previous members of the town council are running unopposed, but the council is still encouraging residents to vote.

Polls will open starting at 6 a.m. through 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Clifton town meeting hall at 12641 Chapel Road.

Patch sent each member of the council a questionnaire about Clifton's future. Their answers will run in advance of the election. Below is the answer to Patch's questionnaire for  town council member Deborah Dillard:

From Deborah Dillard:

“Work is much more fun than fun” said Noel Coward. Anyone who has worked shoulder to shoulder with old neighbors or new friends in any of the half dozen events put on in the town of Clifton understands what Mr. Coward meant.  It is spirit of volunteerism that ties us to our town and our neighbors more than a street address. My family rolls up our sleeves and puts on thinking caps for the Clifton Caboose Run, The 4th of July parade and picnic, Clifton Day, the Hallowtrail and Candlelight Homes Tour.

The other events in town are just as community building, but no one is expected to do it all. Volunteer burn-out should be guarded against not only to preserve the good spirits of the individual, but the vitality of the town. But there is a modern ailment that is far more dangerous to the fabric of community. It is the what’s-in-it-for-me attitude. It brings people to town looking for payment for what would be a volunteer position in another committee or free rent because they say their very presence would be great for the town. And once one person has gotten some extra consideration, others Natalie start thinking the same way. The focus is inward to self not outward towards community.

Perhaps I am old fashioned. My daughter has caught me tearing up when we recite the Pledge of Allegiance at Arye Square on the 4th of July and grinning like a fool at the town Christmas Tree lighting. And that  “ideal of town”  is what  I and my family work for with the only expected payment is the right to belong.

If you live within the town, I ask that you take time out of your day on May 1 and come down to vote. Why? Because it is a right that should never be taken for granted and another place you can say hello to your neighbors.

How long have you lived in Clifton?

14 years

Do you have a full time job outside of the council?

Yes, representing a technology company primarily for K-12 education, along with WorkForce and other government agencies.

How long have you been on the town council?

Two terms.

Can you describe a project that you have worked on while on the council that you are particularly proud of?

The overhaul of the Town Hall; it has been and will continue to upgrade, which allows more events and more people to affordably use the space giving a slight profit to the Town.

What are some of the most important topics at the moment for Clifton residents?

The three projects that will affect Clifton residents greatly in the next few years is the Streetscape Project, the renewing of the Cable Franchises and the possibility of re-opening Clifton Elementary.