City Clerk Joanne Rohrig Asks For Your Support On Election Day

Written and submitted by Joanne Rohrig, who is the City Clerk and is seeking reelection.

Dear Milford Voters

As I walk our neighborhoods and once again meet and greet and, most importantly, listen to the great people of Milford, citizens often ask me how I voted on taxes and local issues. There is great misunderstanding about the roles and responsibilities of the City Clerk, a role I am honored to have served you in these past five years. So much of this confusion has been caused by erroneous political dialogues. They seem intentional. In my conversations, I feel it is important to be transparent and truthful, to clear up distortions that political mailings are determined to make, and, simply, to tell people the truth.

The truth is a refreshing thing.

So here is the truth: By state statute City Clerk does not vote at the alderman meetings. I am at those meetings to ensure appropriate evidence of minutes and agenda dissemination. It is political folly to assert that this office works under the direction of the Mayor – again, as recent political mailings imply.

As your City Clerk, I work for you. I work for the people of Milford, and I do this guided by state statute, and in a respectful, non-partisan manner. This may come as a surprise, but many of my peers across the state are in un-elected positions and do not assert any party affiliation. It is a good thing that when I sit at a table with my fellow town clerks I am unable to determine who is with what party. We sit collaboratively, intent on helping one another with the everyday situations that arise and require solutions that are beneficial to the citizens we serve.

What else do I do as your servant? First and foremost, the City Clerk is the custodian for vital records, and serves as a liaison to all city agencies and citizens. I have always done this in a non-partisan manner, offering support, direction and assistance regardless of background or affiliation.

Back to those intentionally confusing mailings you’ve been receiving: By statue, the City Clerk is a non-voting member of the city government and serves absolutely no role in determining mill rate, tax abatement, or has any other local fiduciary responsibilities.

The full understanding of the role of the city clerk, as defined on the City of Milford website, visit here: https://www.ci.milford.ct.us/city-clerk

I am seeking your vote and reelection, and I find I have a solid record of accomplishment that you will in turn find admirable. As your City Clerk, I have provided significant improvements to the office, in particular improving our office’s customer friendly services and processes. I pride myself on meeting the needs of all residents. I have maintained respectful and bi-partisan relationships with other elected officials (this even noted by Mayor Ben Blake, who commended me in his annual report for initiating and maintaining the only citywide newsletter filled with communication for city departments, agencies and non-profit organizations). I have researched and initiated best practices, having achieved the State of Connecticut Town Clerk Certification after years of study.

On my emphasis of enhanced citizen/customer support and accessibility, there have been numerous accomplishments. These include, but are not limited to;

• Digitizing and adding enhanced on-line presence for land records
• Creating the use a global programs for recording land records
• Implementing online payment options for state documents and records
• Initiating and implementing the aforementioned citywide newsletter offering an abundance information to all citizens which serves as a major communication vehicle to all
• Networking with other Town/City Clerks throughout the State of Connecticut as well as the Registrar of Voters
• Preserving historical books and documents
• Working with the Secretary of State’s office improving absentee balloting procedures as well as many other aspects defined in the City Clerk’s role.
• Establishing a city-wide communication effort to promote dog-licensing awareness
• Initiating card/debit card payments into the City Clerk's office as convenience to you, the citizen.

The job of the City Clerk means serving the entire city. I continue maintain strong alliances with all citizens. My five years of service, my certification in the many details of this important office, and my love of Milford and its people are the skills and attitudes I offer and use daily.

Growing up in Milford, working at Lasse’s, my family’s restaurant, I have come to learn the meaning of true dedication and customer service. I know Milford. I love Milford. I bring that mission, that love for my City each and every day to the City Clerk’s office. Bringing knowledge and information to the citizens of Milford is my number #1 priority. I always have and will continue to have an open door policy helping all that have questions or a problem to be solved.

And I will never confuse you about what it means to serve you.

Thank you!

Joanne Lasse Rohrig

Milford City Clerk