Beloved Canton Official Rides Off Into Retirement

CANTON, CT — A two-decade era ended in Canton last week, as longtime Canton Town Clerk Linda Smith turned in her key to the clerk's office and rode into retirement after 22 years.

Last month, the Canton Board of Selectmen honored Smith, whose last day was Sept. 8, for her service to the town overseeing the town's records and helping the public navigate the myriad complexities of municipal government.

Canton First Selectman Robert "Bob" Bessel read and presented a proclamation honoring Smith, citing her "excellent work and 22 years of dedicated service to Canton."

A smiling Smith expressed her "gratitude and appreciation" for the kind words at the August selectmen meeting.

"The most important action of the night is to recognize Canton Town Clerk Linda Smith's service to the town," Bessel said at the meeting.

After Bessel read aloud a proclamation congratulating Smith on her career and wished her well, there was a standing ovation.

He cited Smith's ability to adjust to the times and learn new technology to keep track and manage all the town's records, both in the vault and online.

"I think Linda has found the Fountain of Youth," Bessel said. "She has never shied away from learning something new."

"I for one and, I think, all of us can't thank you enough for doing all that," Bessel said.

A proud Smith shared the credit with others.

"It's a very special honor for me," Smith said, adding her colleagues at town hall have played a large role in her professional life. "For 22 years, you certainly don't work in a bubble."

"I'll miss the work, but if you work at a job as long as I have, it becomes part of you," Smith said. "I feel like I left the office in a good place."

For the minutes of the Aug. 23 Canton Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.

To watch the Aug. 23 Canton Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.