By Curt Peterson
No one will ever call Lucrecia Wonsor a “nine-to-fiver.” The veteran Killington clerk (20 years, 4 months) and treasurer (11 years, 10 months) is known for her dedication to her responsibilities, working long hours and some weekends to successfully manage the official and financial affairs of this resort town of about 1,500 souls.
When she reiterated her plans to retire at Monday’s Select Board meeting that she is retiring, one wondered what the mountain town would be like without Lucrecia in the wheelhouse. She is what one might call “an institution;” her absence will leave a noticeable void and a daunting pair of shoes to fill.
Like so many Killington residents, Wonsor came from “away,” as native Vermonters call incomers from “down country.” Born in Portugal, she spent much of her youth in New Jersey, including studying at Middlesex County College in Edison to achieve her associate’s degree in Arts and Sciences, awarded in 1983.
In 1999 Dick Horner, planning commissioner, hired Wonsor as recording secretary for the planners, and her work relationship with Killington was born.
From that position she rapidly became assistant town clerk in 2002, then clerk, and subsequently, in 2013, town treasurer. She finds her positions both challenging and rewarding.
Horner told the Mountain Times in 2018, “She goes out of her way to help people, and she follows up on everything.”
“When you are town clerk,” Wonsor said, “they are your residents, your voters.”
Wonsor is always busy. In addition to her work responsiblities, she is one of the founders of Killington Community Garden that grew produce for employees. She’s sorry it has been lost in the list of priorities, because “it was fun.” She has served on the boards and/or been a member of Vermont Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Association (president), and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, New England Association of City and Town Clerks, Vermont League of Cities and Towns, and has earned Master certification in two. She also does training for prospective town treasurers.
Wonsor sees her job as treasurer as that of an overseer. In May of this year, Wonsor finished her treasurer’s report by commenting to the Select Board about her perception of town finances. She said she was “concerned about the town’s cash flow after the education tax is paid to the state, as the town will be well into restricted funds.”
When not at work, Lucrecia, 62, enjoys the outdoors. Once a skier, she now does more snowshoeing and, in warmer months, hiking and walking. While she said she will miss the job she found so fun and challenging, she is looking forward to a classical retirement, spending time with her family — two adult children, grandchildren and her husband Ken, finishing some personal projects, and traveling.
“My last day in the office will be December 20,” she told the Mountain Times.
