ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The annual proclamation of Professional Municipal Clerks Week is a reminder of the important roles city clerks and their staffs play in the operation of a city government.
The 56th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week is being celebrated this year from May 4-10 and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks provided proclamations to be read aloud by city mayors in honor of their city clerks.
The one-page proclamation notes the office of the municipal clerk is the oldest among public servants and municipal clerks play vital roles in the operation of local governments worldwide. The office of the municipal clerk provides the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies and county, state and federal agencies while serving as the information center for the community and the local government.
“Municipal clerks have pledged to be ever-mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering service to all,” the proclamation declares. “It is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the office of the professional municipal clerk.”
AMI Clerks
Stacey Johnston has been the Holmes Beach city clerk for 14 years. Before that she served as a Holmes Beach deputy clerk for five years under former City Clerk Brook Bennett, who retired in 2011.
Terri Sanclemente has been the Bradenton Beach city clerk for 10 years. Before that, she spent nine years working as an assistant or deputy clerk.
Amber LaRowe became the Anna Maria city clerk on March 25. She now handles the clerk’s duties long-performed by LeAnne Addy, who until recently served as city clerk and city treasurer and now serves as treasurer only. LaRowe became the St. Pete Beach city clerk in 2020 after serving as assistant city clerk for the city of Palmetto, which is her hometown.
When asked why she became a city clerk, Johnston said, “I’d say I fell into it. My mother had a hand in encouraging me to apply for a temporary position in the city clerk’s office for the city of Coffeyville, Kansas right out of high school, filling in for a girl on maternity leave. The new mother decided not to return and I was offered the position and that led to being appointed as their city clerk seven years later.”
Sanclemente became the Bradenton Beach clerk during a tumultuous period in Bradenton Beach that included Mayor Bill Shearon being recalled from office and the termination of two short-lived city clerks who served before her.
“I wanted to serve the people the best possible way I knew how and I thought it would be by becoming the city clerk since our city couldn’t seem to find the right fit,” Sanclemente said of those uncertain times.
As for why she became a clerk, LaRowe said, “I’ve always had a heart for public service. I started my career with the state attorney’s office in 2003, but when I had the opportunity to serve in local government I jumped at the chance. I never set out to be a city clerk and, at first, I wasn’t sure exactly what the job involved; but once I got started, I realized how much I love helping people every day, connecting with the community and playing a part in shaping local government. I’m passionate about open government, transparency and making sure everyone has a voice.”
Regarding the roles and functions of a city clerk, Johnston said, “Many people do not know what a city clerk does. While the city clerk’s roles are not always noticed and do not get a lot of public attention, the city clerk position is vital for a city. While each city clerk position is a little different, we touch everything that happens in the city in some way or another. As a charter employee (appointed by the city commission), the city clerk serves as the official records custodian responsible for the city’s records, historical information and legal documents, meeting coordination, business taxes and other city-owned rentals and permits, records requests, elections, insurance claims and serving as the liaison between the public and the elected officials.
“I love working and serving as city clerk for the city of Holmes Beach. We have excellent elected officials, committee members and employees and I really enjoy working with the residents and the public. Being a city clerk is not just a job, it’s a profession that I am truly blessed to say I have,” Johnston said.
Regarding her role, Sanclemente said, “Making sure that all of the city’s and citizens’ needs are met and that they know they can always rely on the city clerk’s office for all their needs.”
LaRowe said, “Being a city clerk is about more than just paperwork and policies: it’s about building relationships. City clerks are a bridge between the public and their elected officials. Every day, I get to meet new people, hear their ideas and help them navigate city processes. I love helping residents find creative solutions or turn a challenge into a new opportunity. My favorite part of this job is the personal connections I get to make and the chance to serve such a wonderful community.”
The Sun thanks all of Anna Maria Island’s city clerks, deputy clerks and administrative assistants, past and present, for the services they provide the community and the local media.
