To the editor:

Thank you to the Essex County voters who came out for this year’s general election. I am grateful to have earned your confidence to be the next Essex County Clerk. While running for a countywide office was certainly challenging, it proved to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It afforded me the opportunity to visit and explore all 18 of our towns and meet people throughout the region. I have a new appreciation for the vast beauty of our area and the uniqueness of its communities. I was excited to discover so many incredible small businesses, locally-owned restaurants, and municipal amenities, all hiding in plain sight. Despite the political rhetoric we see nationally, I was awed by the warm, welcoming spirit and caring nature of the people I met across our county. I am proud to call Essex County home and I look forward to working for each of you as your next county clerk.

With immense gratitude,

Chelsea Merrihew

Essex County Clerk-elect

Elizabethtown