This week is a time to celebrate and honor both Delaware's public servants and local government clerks. On Monday, Governor John Carney signed a proclamation announcing May 1 - 7, 2022 as Public Service Recognition Week. This week has been celebrated during the first week of May since 1985 to honor the contributions of federal, state, county, and local government employees.
Initiated in 1969 by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), this week marks the 53^rd Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week. Clerks are one of the most under recognized professionals, typically staffed by humble civil servants that are regarded as the "super heroes" of local governments.
So what is a clerk? The Delaware Municipal Clerks Association's website notes that clerks can have different job titles, including Town Clerk, Clerk of Council, or City Secretary. Clerks serve as liaison between elected officials and the public, maintain the Town's legislative history and official records, attend and prepare meeting agendas and minutes, provide administrative support to elected officials. In addition to overseeing fiscal, administrative and regulatory records, clerks provide the professional link between citizens, the local governing body, and administrative departments.
Many Delaware municipal have earned the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) or the Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation, granted by IIMC. The University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration conducts an annual series of municipal clerks training sessions, which satisfies requirements for both the CMC and MMC designations.