Name: Robin A. Michaud
How long have you lived in Marblehead? All of my life apart from when my husband was in the Army, and a few years after. In all, 53 years.
Profession: Town clerk — certified Massachusetts municipal clerk
Elected and appointed positions held: Library trustee (elected), assistant town clerk (appointed) and town clerk (elected)
1. There have been concerns about the accessibility of the Town Clerk’s office, particularly regarding the extended presence of a COVID-era table that limited direct entry. How have you addressed these concerns, and what measures are you taking to ensure the office remains open and welcoming to all residents?
The office has always been accessible to residents. The table was initially set up for COVID safety. It stayed longer due to an uptick in First Amendment auditors filming public employees in town halls and police departments across Massachusetts. My staff felt uncomfortable being filmed in our small office space, which contains sensitive materials. Based on advice from the chief of police and the Massachusetts Town Clerks’ Association, we designated an “employees only” area for protection. The table also provided necessary space to process mail-in ballots during the 2024 elections. Now that those elections are behind us, the table is gone.
2. Your long-serving staff members suggest a stable work environment. How do you plan to continue fostering a supportive workplace culture that ensures continuity and high-quality service in the Town Clerk’s Office?
I am immensely proud of my long-serving staff and the team we have built. Finding the right people is difficult; keeping them requires inclusion, communication, support and teamwork. I foster a collaborative environment where all staff are involved in day-to-day operations. Everyone understands what needs to be done and who is responsible. We value each other’s input and genuinely enjoy working together. I will continue this approach to maintain the high-quality service that Marblehead deserves.
3. You’ve emphasized your nonpartisan stance in administering elections. How do you ensure that the Town Clerk’s office remains impartial and trusted by all segments of the community?
If I am re-elected town clerk, there will never be a question of impartiality. I am not enrolled in any political party and never have been. I have voted in both Republican and Democratic primaries and have never run as a candidate for any political party. My staff and I share the belief that the clerk’s office must remain impartial to preserve public trust and protect the integrity of elections.
4. You’ve introduced technologies like the City Hall Systems platform and electronic poll pads during your tenure. What additional technological advancements do you plan to implement to further enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the Town Clerk’s Office?
I am proud that we were the first office to adopt online payments through City Hall Systems. We still allow in-person payment for those who prefer it. We were also among the first communities in Massachusetts to adopt electronic poll pads, which greatly improved check-in efficiency for elections and Town Meeting — especially with more than 1,800 attendees. I stay informed of new tools by attending Massachusetts Municipal Clerks’ conferences. While election technology must comply with state law, our office uses the most up-to-date state-certified equipment. I will continue to explore the latest technology to better serve Marblehead.
