Melanie Lekocevic is reporting for Capital Region Independent Media newly elected Coeymans Town Clerk Laura Jane Barry quit her new job just two days after taking the oath of office. The town board then appointed Candace McHugh to the post, as of January 7. Candace previously served as confidential secretary to her brother-in-law, Town Supervisor George McHugh. “We were notified Monday of Laura’s resignation,” George McHugh said. “Time was of the essence and the town board and key staff felt that Candace was the best candidate to carry the town through the rest of 2022 until a new town clerk could be elected on Nov. 8, 2022, and take office Jan. 1, 2023.” McHugh abstained from the vote to appoint Candace. In her letter of resignation, Barry cited medical reasons for her departure, but declined to comment further. “Laura, I wish you the best of luck,” George McHugh said at the board's special meeting, January 7. “I know this is a very hard decision for you and emotional, but you have to do what is best for your health. I just wish you the very best going forward.” The new town clerk was appointed registrar of vital statistics for an annual stipend of $500, effective Jan. 8. She was also appointed freedom of information officer and records management officer. All three positions are commonly held by the town clerk. Former deputy town clerk Bonnie Keyer has agreed to return as part-time clerk to help train the Candace McHugh and the new deputy clerk, Sherle Slingerland. The board also appointed Carly Morrow to fill the position of confidential secretary to the supervisor, effective January 18. Read the full story at TheUpstater [dot] com.