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Haitian radio personality and entrepreneur Natacha Clerger interviews Randolph Councillor Ken Clifton.Courtesy photo

St.Kitts born US Town  councillor Ken Clifton spoke to the Haitian-American community in his City of  Randolph, MA  and the wider community during an interview on Radio Tele Planet Compas, a Haitian radio station.

In discussing the qualities he shares with much of the Haitian community, Clifton spoke of his formative years on St. Kitts, which he referred to as the most beautiful island in the Caribbean, much to the chagrin of Haitian-born host Natacha Clerger who jokingly insisted that it was Haiti that was the most beautiful.

He recalled his arrival in America as a young teenager and being afforded a great education including his legal qualification from a European institution.

“I dream of our youth getting the same opportunity,” he said. “For me, it is a fight from which there is no retreat.”

Clifton, running unopposed for reelection on the Nov. 3 ballot, said he came from a politically active family in St. Kitts and was greatly influenced by his mother whom he credited with unique political instincts and an unrelenting commitment to public service.

“Even as a boy, I have always been motivated by helping and serving others,” said Clifton, who has served three consecutive terms on the Randolph Town Council.

On the issues facing Randolph, Clifton said he was proud of the progress being made.

“I am inspired by my belief and conviction that Randolph can emerge as the most hospitable and the best community in the entire Commonwealth to live, to invest and to work,” he said.

He said there was improvement in the infrastructure, new parks and open spaces, athletic facilities, recreational programs and beautification adorned with flowers throughout the town.

Clifton said Randolph is a peaceful and tranquil community, and that crime had declined by 20 percent over the past three years. He repeated his frequent call for residents to continue to support the police which has become increasingly ethnically and linguistically more diverse in recent times. He said that while the schools still present challenges, the new leadership team has been moving the schools in the right direction.

He spoke of his leadership role over six years in blocking the Holbrook Transfer Station, which he said would have devastated the community. He also spoke about the impending renovations to the police station, the library and a new fire station and community center amounting to some $25 million.

“We are investing in the future and sustainability of our community,” he said.

Clifton concluded the interview by encouraging the Haitian and all communities to become more civically engaged, to empower themselves and to exercise their right to vote.

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http://randolph.wickedlocal.com/article/20151008/NEWS/151006259