The selection of the City Clerk for Pittsburg should be based on qualifications and experience not the results of a political campaign.
Demands on the City Clerk have evolved over the past few decades. The complexities of the position have increased and the technical skills and knowledge required are significant. The Clerk's responsibilities include: city records management, elections oversight, compliance with conflict of interest regulations and federal/state laws and administration of the legislative process for the City.
Logic demands that the City Council select the City Clerk following a screening designed to recruit and hire the person with the strongest technical, administrative and professional skills. Once hired, an appointed Clerk can be held accountable to perform to the same standards established for other administrative executive staff.
By State law, the only qualifications to serve as an elected City Clerk are:
- Must be at least 18 years of age and
- Must be a registered voter within the City
The public expects and deserves that the duties of the City Clerk will be performed with professionalism and efficiency. This can best be accomplished by selecting a person to serve based on technical skill, education and relevant experience.
Statewide the trend has moved towards appointed rather than elected City Clerks. 70% of California cities appoint their City Clerks. The Pittsburg City Council unanimously joins many groups and individuals committed to quality local government in encouraging you to support this logical and necessary change.
Your yes vote ensures the duties of the City Clerk are performed by an administrative professional selected based on their knowledge, education, training and qualifications.
Nancy L. Parent,
Mayor of Pittsburg
Lillian J. Pride,
City Clerk of Pittsburg
Mary Erbez,
Former City Clerk of Pittsburg
(No arguments against Measure N were submitted)
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