Senator Pam Helming recently welcomed municipal clerks from across the 54th Senate District to her third annual Municipal Clerks Roundtable at Victor Town Hall. The meeting provided an opportunity to share information, strengthen partnerships, and discuss ways to better serve local residents.

This year’s theme, “Municipal Clerks: The Hearts of Our Communities,” recognized the essential role clerks play in towns, villages, and cities. Clerks are often the first point of contact for residents and help ensure that local government remains accessible, responsive, and effective.

“Municipal clerks truly are the heart of local government,” said Senator Pam Helming. “They know their communities, they help residents navigate important services, and they keep local government working every day. This roundtable is an opportunity to thank them, listen to their ideas, and make sure they have the information and resources they need.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regional Director Tim Walsh, Deputy Regional Permit Administrator Ashley Kasperowicz and Regional Wildlife Manager Michael Palermo joined the roundtable. They provided an overview of the State Environmental Quality Review process and recent updates, followed by an extended discussion about DEC hunting guidelines and licensing systems.

Clerks shared firsthand concerns about policies and systems that create unnecessary wait times, add to municipal workloads, and frustrate area hunters trying to follow the rules. Senator Helming thanked the DEC representatives for listening to this feedback and discussing opportunities for improvement.

Senator Helming also announced the release of her office’s new 2026–27 Municipal Guidebook, developed to help local officials identify funding opportunities and other resources available to support their communities.

“As a former town supervisor, I understand how challenging and time-consuming it can be to identify funding opportunities and navigate the application process,” Senator Helming said. “I am very excited to share our updated Municipal Guidebook and hope it will be a practical resource for our local officials. My team and I are always ready to answer questions and provide letters of support for grant applications.”

“This was my second year attending Senator Helming’s Municipal Clerks Roundtable, and I appreciate the opportunity to hear directly from state agencies, learn about available grant funding, and discuss the challenges facing our communities. I met Pam about two years ago, and she has always taken the time to listen to my concerns, both as a New York State resident and as a Town Clerk and Tax Collector. We are truly lucky to have her representing us in the 54th District. She genuinely cares about the future of our state and making sure local officials have a voice in the decisions that affect our communities,” said Seth Graham, Town Clerk, Town of Caledonia.

“Senator Helming’s roundtable provided an invaluable opportunity for municipal clerks to speak directly with DEC representatives about how state policies and licensing systems affect our offices and the residents we serve. If we want to preserve New York’s hunting traditions, we must keep young people engaged by offering a seamless, user-friendly digital system that makes it easier for them to comply with licensing requirements and enjoy the sport without unnecessary obstacles. I appreciate Senator Helming bringing us together and ensuring that the voices of municipal clerks and our communities are heard,” said Crystelyn Laske, Town Clerk, Town of Canandaigua.

Senator Helming also discussed S.6233-A, legislation that would increase the state income tax credit for eligible volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers from $200 to $800. Attendees received a letter urging the Governor to sign the legislation.

With residents and municipalities facing high utility costs and concerns about electric grid reliability, Senator Helming reviewed the Public Service Commission’s 2026 Clean Energy Standard Biennial Review. She also provided information on how clerks, municipal leaders, and residents can submit comments and make their voices heard.

As a fun addition to the program, clerks took part in trivia celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and New York’s important role in our nation’s history. Questions highlighted New York people, places, and events, including the Erie Canal, Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division, Susan B. Anthony’s trial in Canandaigua, Francis Bellamy’s connection to Mount Morris and the four New Yorkers who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Each clerk received a small gift bag of fresh Wayne County apples showcasing the outstanding agricultural products grown in our region.

“There is so much value in bringing municipal clerks together. We can share what is working in our communities, talk through challenges we are facing, and learn from one another. When we can connect and support each other, we all leave with new ideas and a better understanding of how we can serve our residents. The Municipal Guidebook will give us another valuable resource to refer to when we are looking for programs, grants, and opportunities to help our communities,” said Faye Beshures, Town Clerk, Town of Avon.

“We appreciate and want to thank Senator Helming for having these roundtable discussions for us Clerks. Sometimes, you don’t know others are facing the same problems as you, until we all get together and discussions start. I look forward to these get-togethers, and I know so many others do as well. The guidebook is a great resource for all of us. It helps point us in the right direction and opens up opportunities we may not have known existed. I look forward to the next meeting,” said Donna Wollschlenger, Village Clerk, Village of Bloomfield.

Senator Helming thanked the participating clerks, DEC representatives, and local leaders for making the roundtable a success.

“When local and state officials communicate directly, we can identify problems sooner and work together on practical solutions,” Senator Helming said. “I will continue making sure our municipal clerks have a strong voice and the resources they need to serve their communities.”

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