Chester Town Clerk Candidate Q&A

PJ Gorman

Why are you running for Town Clerk?

I’m running for town clerk to restore integrity, empathy, and exceptional service to our community. The current clerk’s tenure has been tainted by a toxic workplace, internal investigations, and two federal lawsuits — one for violating an employee’s First Amendment rights and another for harassment and retaliation. As a lifelong resident with a business degree and over 20 years leading a thriving local business known for outstanding customer care, I’m equipped to rebuild trust, foster a respectful workplace, and deliver efficient, compassionate service. The incumbent’s unethical conduct risks costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands in legal fees. I’ll bring ethical leadership that listens and prioritizes our town. Support my campaign to make our community proud again!

What are the top three things you aim to accomplish if elected?

Exceptional Customer Service: I’ll train staff to treat residents with respect, transforming the clerk’s office into a welcoming, efficient hub for all inquiries.

Safe, Supportive Workplace: Drawing on my experience managing employees, I’ll foster collaboration and morale, eliminating the fear and retaliation plaguing the current administration.

Transparent Financial Management: Leveraging my business expertise, I’ll implement transparent budgeting to reduce waste and protect taxpayer dollars from unnecessary liabilities.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

My business degree, 20+ years leading a customer-focused company, and experience as a former Deputy Clerk make me the ideal candidate. I’ve issued licenses (marriage, hunting/fishing, dog, handicap) and managed vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates) with precision. Unlike the incumbent, whose abusive leadership has led to scandals and lawsuits, I offer compassion, trustworthiness, and ethical governance. To ease the town’s budget challenges, I’ll reduce the clerk’s excessive $110,000 salary to align with other Orange County clerks, preserving service quality while lowering the tax burden.

My experience in business and finance makes me the strongest candidate to succeed where the current official has failed. Unlike her divisive, unethical leadership, I offer compassion and integrity, prioritizing ethical governance and community well-being over personal gain. The public deserves a dedicated leader to restore trust and deliver results, not a high-paid official entangled in controversy.

Let’s bring integrity and service back to our community and town hall.

Linda Zappala

Why are you running for Town Clerk?

I am seeking re-election to a fourth term because I love serving my community, appreciate the trust I have earned, and find it very rewarding knowing that I have made a difference in the last 19 years. Whether issuing licenses, notarizing documents, or responding to FOIL requests, I believe residents deserve informed, accurate service — and I’m best qualified to ensure that continues.

What are the top three things you aim to accomplish if elected?

I am excited to launch a new system that provides notifications via text, call, email and app, to keep residents informed in emergency and severe weather occurrences.

The Town has been awarded and/or received over an unprecedented $1.2 million in grant funding since January of 2024. The Town Clerk actively assists to ensure Chester residents get those funds. I will continue to do everything in my power to see that we receive every cent.

I will provide quality of life improvements by bringing online tax payment services, volunteer tax preparation, volunteering with our senior independence program and expanding our shred event services. I will continue to answer the needs of our residents to move Chester forward in capable hands.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

Chester faces an important choice: Elect a candidate who knows the job or one who merely wants it. When I became Deputy Town Clerk, I brought financial administration experience from Wall Street but no government background. Like my opponent, I was eager to learn — but it took eight years of mentorship to prepare for the role of Town Clerk. Now, after 11 years as your clerk, I’ve modernized the office, secured grants, and guided staff to keep operations running smoothly. The Town Board relies on my expertise to execute decisions impacting Chester residents. My institutional knowledge ensures the business of the Town is handled correctly. My commitment to continued education has earned me the designation of Registered Municipal Clerk. On January 1, you need someone ready to lead — not someone wondering, “What’s my job?” I love what I do and remain dedicated to serving you. I respectfully ask for your vote for Town Clerk of Chester.