LEYDEN — Starting Dec. 1, Leyden residents can expect to see a new face in the town clerk’s office.
Mary Lou Barton, who holds several positions in town, will start as the new town clerk, replacing Elizabeth Johnson who stepped down Nov. 30.
Barton currently serves as secretary of the Recreation Committee, co-chair of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, council president at Leyden United Methodist Church, and secretary of the Leyden Rifle Club. She has also served as registrar.
Barton said that upon learning of Johnson’s resignation, the Board of Selectmen asked her to fill in at least until May’s town meeting and annual election, at which time Barton said she may seek to be elected.
Barton had already served as town clerk in Leyden from 1985 to 1995, and said she was happy to come back to support the town.
“I love my town of Leyden,” she said. “I love the townspeople, I love my church, I love Leyden.”
Barton intends to become a justice of the peace and notary public, and will add new office hours. In addition to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the town clerk’s office will now be open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.