West Wareham resident Michele Bissonnette is running unopposed this April for Wareham’s Town Clerk seat.

An employee of the town of Marion since 2006, Bissonnette served as an Assistant Town Clerk for 12 years and is currently an administrative assistant in Marion’s Treasurer and Collector’s office.

She has also served in Marshfield’s Assessor’s office and in the Town Clerk’s office in Mattapoisett.

Bisonette said she took on her most recent position as an administrative assistant in Marion a year ago for a change of pace; but has longed to return to work in a Town Clerk’s office ever since. 

“I miss it a lot,” Bisonette said. “That job really was my happy place.”

With Wareham’s current Town Clerk, Mary Anne Silvia, preparing to step down this April, Bisonette said the opportunity to run in Wareham was too good to pass up.

A New Jersey native, Bisonette moved to Wareham three years ago and she said intends to stay for the long hall. Her two children are grown and she lives with her two cats, Soul and Quincy.

“I know some people might be concerned that I’m not a longtime resident and that’ll I’ll leave after a few years,” Bisonette said. “But this is where I’m settling. I really love it here and want to serve the community.”

As an assistant town clerk in Marion, Bisonette said she got to learn the ins and outs of running the department firsthand. 

From cataloging births and deaths to managing elections and recounts, there’s little Bisonette hasn’t experienced.

“Some days I was a one woman show,” she said. “And I think it’s prepared me well.”

As a history buff and member of Wareham’s militia, Bisonette said she also enjoys helping residents find records to explore their family trees. She holds a degree in history and special education from Bridgewater State University.

“My favorite part of the job has always been the people,” she said.

As Town Clerk, Bisonette said she also hopes to do some outreach with Wareham schools to help elementary age children learn about voting and the election process.

“I think it would be fun to let our school children vote on things like the shape and color of our dog tags,” Bisonette said. “Right now, the Town Clerk just picks those things out of a book. There’s no reason why the kids couldn’t be involved in that decision, and I think it would be a lot of fun.”

Bisonette added that she would continue to work with Silva after her departure to ensure a smooth transition.