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Middletown clerk nominated for state recognition

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By Ryan Gauthier, Staff Writer 12:46 AM Monday, March 15, 2010

MIDDLETOWN — For the second time in three years, Middletown’s clerk of council is up for recognition.

Betsy Parr, who has worked in the City Council office for 20 years, is once again nominated as Clerk of the Year through the Ohio Municipal Clerks Association. She was last up for the honor in 2008.

“I was really humbled the first time I was nominated,” Parr said. “For someone to nominate me a second time around, that’s completely unexpected.”

While she was not able to take home the award two years ago, Parr said she is hopeful things will go differently this time around. It is always an honor to be nominated, she said, but winning “would be the icing on the cake.”

The award will be presented during the OMCA’s spring conference in Columbus on Wednesday, April 21. Parr said all members of the clerks association submit ballots to select the winner, but that does not mean she will be hitting the campaign trail.

“I’m sure some people call everyone they know and ask them for votes,” Parr said. “I’m going to just let my actions speak for themselves.”

Vice Mayor Anita Scott Jones described Parr as “an outstanding clerk” who has always been there to answer questions for Council and ensure they are adequately prepared for Council meetings. Jones will be traveling to Columbus alongside Parr for the ceremony, just like she did two years ago.

“She supports us and I think we should support her as well,” Jones said. “I really believe she deserves this win. I told her if they keep nominating you, at some point it’s going to be your turn.”

To be qualified for the honor, Parr said clerks must have at least five years in their position, be active in their region, demonstrate a commitment to improving their skills, contribute to the improvement of his or her community, show greater than average competence in the position and be held in respect by community leaders. A clerk can only receive the award once, she said.

The Clerk of the Year award has been in existence since 1997, according to Parr.

Award recipients are presented with a blown-glass vase along with a plaque commemorating the honor.

“It’s a little like an Academy Award,” Parr said. “I don’t know what I did above and beyond what most clerks do, but I truly appreciate the recognition.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871

rgauthier@coxohio.com.

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