By Susan Richards, Sheboygan City Clerk
A NEW CHAPTER IN MY LIFE
It’s hard for me to believe that 20 years ago, I walked into the City Clerk’s Office on the second floor of City Hall on my very first day and thought to myself that this was going to be a new adventure in my life. Little did I know that this “new adventure” was so much more than I could imagine!
I learned quickly that this office was the “hub” of information for the citizens of the City of Sheboygan and beyond. I experienced every aspect of the multitude of jobs that are required to run a great City Clerk’s office. I was the Council/Licensing Clerk, then the Deputy Clerk, and then was appointed and confirmed to fill the term of my predecessor and teacher, Patricia Lohse, by past Mayor Schramm, and the Common Council. Many administrations filled with successes, excitement, and challenges have happened in the last 20 years.
The only time that I had any turnover in the office was when someone retired. I believe there have only been two in 20 years! We all have stayed together as a team in good times and in bad. We all know each other’s families and are a part of their lives, their children’s lives, and even grandchildren’s lives. The atmosphere in the City Clerk’s office is always welcoming to fellow colleagues, strangers, friends, and anyone who comes to our counter to just say hi or needs to talk about whatever is going on in their lives. We strive to treat everyone with dignity and respect and really do care about them and in return, we have a wonderful “family” far beyond the walls of our offices.
My philosophy has always been that in life, how you treat people will come back to you tenfold. I have been blessed with support, love, and laughter during my tenure as the City Clerk. I am so thankful for the hundreds of generous citizens who have “volunteered” their time year after year serving as our Election Inspectors. It can be a thankless job and is certainly a tiring job, but they have looked at this as an honor and a privilege to assist the community through all the elections.
Now a word about the dedicated people that spend their careers creating a better place for all of the citizens of the City of Sheboygan to call home. I have never encountered a more caring, intelligent, and driven group of individuals that I now call my friends. From our department heads and to all of their staff – these are the people that work every single day to make life better for all of you.
And finally to my staff – Meredith , Sherrill, and Melissa – words cannot properly express my feelings for all of your love and support. Together we have been through births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and a lot of laughter and tears. You have shown me that it is always possible to treat each day as a new adventure and that together we can accomplish anything. I have total faith in your incredible desire and ability to carry on and continue to serve the City of Sheboygan as you always have.
I have loved being the City Clerk and can walk away knowing in my heart that I’m leaving this office in such caring hands.
Yes, a new chapter in my life – it’s scary and exciting. I will certainly be cuddling my first grandchild on a more regular basis and who knows what’s next!!!
It has been an honor……….