Retiring county treasurer is thankful for 40-year career on the Square

Posted 31 December 2017 at 9:06 am

Editor:

On December 29th as I was pulling out of the parking lot at 34 E. Park Street for the final time, I looked up at the holiday decorated Courthouse dome. I love that dome.

I drove home feeling a great sense of loss. I didn’t cry, but my eyes felt kind of misty. When I say I grew up on the Courthouse Square, I’m not joking. I really did.

Starting on Flag Day in 1977, I came to know the people, the place, the offices, the boardroom, the court room, the spiral staircase in the Courthouse, the swinging saloon door bathroom stalls, the Coke machine with glass bottles, the marble and brick. I knew them all. I once ventured up to the top of the dome on a rickety walk way and I remember looking out over the village I grew up in.

I remember Kathryn Monacelli (my boss in the Village Clerk’s office) telling me to do whatever Mrs. (Mary) Basinait says, because she might be hard to work for. My interview with Mary Basinait started a career I didn’t see coming. The only rules she gave me were “no wearing jeans” and “no chewing gum.” I followed the rules.

The days, months and years went by. I owe a debt of gratitude to Kathryn Monacelli (and Jim Hancock, of the Summer Youth program), who sent me off to the County to work that summer. A great debt to Mary Basinait and Lois Klatt for teaching me the job, being my mentors and dear friends for life. My co-workers and staff. The Republican Committee, starting with George Herring to Ed Morgan, for their overwhelming support these past 24 years.

My drive home was filled with so many flashbacks…so many people crossed my mind. I will have wonderful memories in my old age, and stories to tell.

I have had many people ask me, “Why on earth did you run for Town Clerk?” On my way home Friday night, I knew why. I have to stay busy, I want to keep helping people, I have budgets to fix, accounts to straighten out, taxpayers to greet and knowledge to share.

Thank you, Orleans County voters. Thank you for allowing me 40 years on the Square.

With gratitude and love,

Susan M. Heard

Gaines