Government, whether federal, state or local, can be a tricky, rewarding, discouraging, interesting and most often, adverse business. Those who venture into its’ realm, whether elected or contracted, are expected to be intelligent, engaging, thick skinned, eloquent, able to compromise, responsible, and have at heart, the best interest of the people they serve. Even in our little town, can one deny that the decisions and actions of our leaders affect thousands of lives in innumerable ways for decades?

This past November, election of a new president with a different message, and numerous state, county and local officials, greatly changed the political landscape and ultimately styles of governing. As obvious as the nationwide call for change in governance, it is also evident that Fillmore’s citizens desired change by voting in two new City Council members, the engine for a new Mayor, and a new City Clerk.

Absent the usual political honeymoon, officials in Fillmore, whether returning or new, have in this new year, quickly gotten down to the business of governing our town. However, the early weeks of this young administration have not passed without issue. One notable area of contention exists between City Manager, Tom Ristau, 19-year employee of the City serving nearly 4 years in his current position, and recently elected City Clerk, Clay Westling, a retired, aerospace veteran of 39 years, with 20 years on the job as a program manager of multi million dollar assets. While the City Manager’s duties are generally obvious, management of the substantial and intricate workings of the City, who, except those familiar with government, knows the duties of the City Clerk?

In past years, the office of the City Clerk of Fillmore has been low keyed. Legally prescribed responsibilities of the Fillmore office briefly include: keeping accurate books and indexed records of proceedings, publications and postings on time and in appropriate places, keeping certified records of ordinances, custodian of City records and the City seal, appointment and direction of Deputy City Clerks to aid in the completion of work.

Taking a proactive, hands-on role in day-to-day and expanded duties, Westling has also proposed numerous changes and made several requests. Although the City Council at its January 13 meeting denied some of his requests citing financial constraints, legal protocols, or logistics, his remaining plans are still substantial. He will: be available at City Hall most days from 10 a.m. until noon, review and personally sign all necessary documents, be accessible by cell phone to staff and/or citizens, attend all necessary meetings open to his office.

Acting on his winning campaign promise of greater transparency, improved citizen access, communication and service, Westling intends to collaborate with City staff on clearer verbiage for City Council meeting packets, pursue development of an improved complaint/suggestion procedure, and refine the current City document filing system with accurate tracking for easier access, accountability, and viewing guidelines. He has requested cooperation from Ristau and City staff, including sufficient support from the two individuals currently performing Deputy City Clerk tasks, (concerning City Clerk business only). Both employees, full time administrators, hired and under supervision of the City Manager, performed clerking duties as deputies for the previous City Clerk for several years, during Ristau’s tenure.

Regarding the development of an improved document filing system, Ristau says that several departments utilize records and they must be readily available, not under lock and key. He also notes that the abundance of City records cannot be contained in a single area. Nevertheless, the City Manager takes greatest issue concerning personnel, stating that his administrators “do not have Deputy City Clerk in their job titles,” and will not have his employees subject to “potential disciplinary action” by the City Clerk. He went on to say at the January 13 City Council meeting that the current Deputy City Clerks, (who do in fact have numerous City Clerking tasks in their formal job descriptions), did not care to continue their clerking duties under Westling. Ristau suggested in a written memo that the City Clerk hire additional personnel, which would require Council intervention and bring greater expense to the City.

Westling vehemently denies ever voicing or even considering the right to administer “disciplinary action” on City employees, and in fact declares high regard for the individuals performing Deputy City Clerk tasks. As of this writing, both Deputy City Clerks have spoken with our new City Clerk and have chosen to work with him.

Unfortunately, partisanship has overwhelmed the business of governing at all levels. However, it is critical in these difficult times that our leaders rise above it all, work together, and strive to meet our expectations!