City honors city clerk, staff during Municipal Clerks Week
Officials honored Yuma City Clerk Lynda Bushong and her staff for their work in city government. In recognition of the Municipal Clerks Week May 6-12, Mayor Doug Nicholls read a proclamation extending appreciation to Bushong and her office “for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication” to the community they represent.
During the May 2 council meeting, Nicholls called the Clerk’s Office the “unsung hero that makes all the work happen … They take care of a lot of the records (and do a) tremendous amount of work behind the scenes to make sure things are prepared for today and every day.”
In 1984 and 1994, Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, respectively, signed a proclamation officially declaring Municipal Clerks Week the first full week of May and recognizing the essential role municipal clerks play in local government.
“The true worth of the municipal and deputy clerk is often not realized,” said Mary Kayser, president of International Institute of Municipal Clerks and city secretary for Fort Worth, Texas. “But clerks perform some of the principal functions of the democratic process.”
She added, “One of the most important responsibilities clerks administer is advising their municipality’s council of the legislative restrictions that apply to the ordinances and resolutions they wish to enact.”
She noted that the main function of municipal and deputy clerks is to serve as the council’s foundation. Other duties include, but are not limited to, preparing agendas, taking minutes, maintaining ordinance and resolutions files, keeping the municipality’s historical records, processing permits and serving as the clearinghouse for information about the local government.
They also record the actions of the various commissions and committees appointed by the council. Another important responsibility is administering part or all of the local election functions.
“The public often takes the administration of an election for granted,” Kayser said. “In reality, it takes municipal clerks months to organize and prepare this key element in the democratic process which must be done correctly for the whole system to work.”
She noted that municipal clerk is one of local government’s oldest positions and the duties have expanded over the years.
“Because some elements of government are constantly changing, clerks must stay current of changes so they can advise their council and inform their community,” Kayser said. “As the focus of each level of government changes, clerks must also adapt.”
Nicholls read a proclamation, which called municipal clerks a “time honored and vital” part of local government whose office provides the link between citizens and local government.
He noted that municipal clerks have pledged to be “ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all.”
Bushong thanked the officials and her staff, which includes Deputy City Clerk Janet Pierson, Administrative Assistant Brittni CristBlanas and City Clerk Specialist Cara Smothers.
“This position is a difficult position, however, she or he couldn’t take care of the position without a great staff, and I feel fortunate for my staff,” Bushong said.