MUNICIPAL CLERK'S WEEK
MAY 8-14, 1988

The 18th Annual Municipal Clerk's Week will be observed this coming May 8-14, in counties, cities, villages, towns and townships throughout the U.S., Canada and 12 other countries by members of the sponsoring organization, the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC). In recognizing the key role municipal clerks have in providing efficient governmental service to all citizens, this week also highlights the advances in technology utilized by many clerks in their professional capacities.

During the week, communities throughout the United States and Canada, along with the others in 12 member countries of IIMC, will be making recognition in various ways. Proclamations have already been presented in many municipalities. Clerks offices have scheduled special visits by community leaders, school children and interested parties. Promotion of this civic event has included educational talks, media interviews, and dissemination of educational-governmental materials.

IIMC President, Jack J. Poots, CMC/AAE. states, "This week is very important for clerks everywhere. It serves to remind all citizens that clerks are not only the oldest of public servants, but we usually serve as a citizen's first direct contact with government.

"Moreover," stated Poots, "in this era of 'information explosion' our duties and responsibilities have grown considerably. For example, we safeguard all public records, keep track of all scheduled Council meetings and prepare the agendas, record minutes and resolutions, help with financial planning and budgeting, expedite bids, assist in information retrieval and, very importantly, answer the many, many requests for information daily."

Mr. Poots pointed out that the IIMC has grown and prospered since its founding in 1947 directly because of the membership's emphasis on growth through education. "In that respect, we are like other professions," declared Poots. "We have a Certification program which recognizes professional achievement with the presentation of the prestigious Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) award. On a higher level of accomplishment," according to Poots, "IIMC coordinates an Academy for Advanced Education which gives support and guidance for those developing their career plans in this field.

"At all times, clerks are held to a very high standard of ethical accountability, necessitated by their inherent positions of public trust. And all clerks do accept this obligation," stated Poots.

The International Institute of Municipal Clerks, sponsoring organization, has the goal of advancing the professionalization of the municipal clerk's office. Its membership of over 8,500 forms a network of clerks in communities whose populations range from under-100 to over-7 million. Members receive monthly periodicals highlighting latest changes and developments along with periodic surveys on salaries and computer usages. Sample ordinances are provided regularly; for example, a recent compilation on regulating dangerous dogs had strong reception.

President Poots stresses the broad abilities of many clerks. "Often, municipal clerks serve as finance officer, treasurer, purchasing agent, assessor, as well as the public's initial contact for information about municipal services and community activities. These duties are performed with a zest because most, if not all, clerks are invigorated by their work.

"Furthermore, although many local governments change with each election, clerks — who are either appointed or elected — tend to continue in their offices. Such lends continuity to civic government. In fact, in many small towns, the clerk's responsibilities include a combination of chief administrative officer, records processor and historian, financial advisor and accountant. However, because clerks usually operate in the background — behind the scenes in small towns as well as large metro centers — they all too often go entirely without credit," according to Poots.

This week is a reminder to all about both the functions of local government and the importance of the guardian of municipal records, the municipal clerk. •

Page 8 / Illinois Municipal Review / April 1988