TOWN OF MINISINK – Barbara Clifford has always prided herself on working and assisting residents with a variety of concerns and issues that impact them.
Clifford is a kind and assuring person and provides a personal touch whenever she fields phone calls, emails or visits to her office. This aspect of the job, immersing herself in the community and assisting her neighbors, is in part what inspired her to run for Town of Minisink supervisor.
“I take a lot of pride in helping people. It makes you feel good,” said Clifford, who began her first two-year term as Minisink’s supervisor in January. “I enjoy shining a light on how government works, the resources available and any assistance that residents might not be aware of. As supervisor, I have been transparent and accessible. I have my email and direct phone number on display at all meetings for the people of the Town of Minisink.”
Clifford began her career in public service in 2007 at then-Senator John Bonacic’s office as an executive assistant. She fielded calls, requests, and complaints about a variety of issues, a role she relished. That position provided experience in issues on every level, local, county, state, and federal. Clifford left Bonacic’s in 2018 to become Health Equity director with the Orange County Health Department.
Clifford, an Orange County resident for 50 years, retired last year from the health department and previously served as a Town of Minisink councilwoman from 2014-2023. Being a familiar face and someone easy to work with, Clifford’s transition to supervisor has been seamless. The supervisor position is part-time allowing her to address the town’s needs and also continue to be a loving grandmother.
Clifford and her husband, Michael, have three grandchildren under the age of 2 ½. The couple has three daughters.
“I get to put my time in at town hall and go to story time and do a little babysitting,” Clifford said. “I get to help out with my parents, too. I’m lucky to be able to put in the time at town hall and do those things with my family.”
