Shelby clerk urges town to keep position as elected by residents

Editor:

For anyone reading the Orleans Hub Letters to the Editor today, I have been a town clerk for 18 ½ years. I have gone above and beyond in my job including earning my Masters designation in Municipal Clerk, the only clerk in Orleans County to ever achieve this honor.

I spent many hours in my office when I was first elected staying until midnight and going in at 6 a.m. and working Saturdays. I have had a total of five years without a raise and when I turned 65, my medical was stopped.

I never abused time off. I used the handbook for my time off although I was told the handbook was not for elected people as they don’t get time off however they just take their own time off.

I will be retiring at the end of my term after 20 years on Dec. 31, 2027. The board  has brought up appointed versus elected town clerk and highway superintendent for the next term of town clerk and highway superintendent.

There is a public Hearing on Tuesday,  June 30, at 6 p.m. for the town clerk  and following will be highway superintendent.  I feel the position for town clerk should be elected! People need a choice.

Darlene Rich

Shelby