By Carol McCracken (Post # 647)
The City of Portland has just announced that City Clerk Linda Cohen has resigned her position effective January 7, 2011. She began her service with the City in 2001 and will leave an impressive legacy behind her. Mayor Nicholas Mavodones announced her resignation in a press release issued yesterday.
“For nearly a decade, Linda has been the person behind the curtain making sure that the clerk’s office was an open and welcoming place for the public,” stated Mayor Mavodones. “Her tireless commitment to her responsibility as City Clerk helped restore the public’s trust in our elections and without question, her efforts enhanced the voting experience for Portland residents. On a personal level, she was a tremendous asset to the City Council as she was able to keep us focused and on task. I am sorry to see her go as she will be sorely missed and I wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
City Manager Joeseph Gray said: “Linda dealt with what were often impossible demands as the consummate professional. She made sure that the city’s pollilng places were well staffed and organized and on more than one occasion, kept a precinct open long after it could close to make sure that every voter that wanted to, could cast their ballot.”
“It has been an honor for me to serve the great City of Portland, its residents and its visitors,” stated City Clerk Cohen. “I have always strived for excellence in all of our responsibilities, because the public deserves nothing less. I have been blessed with incredibly talented and dedicated staff and election workers and I’ m grateful for their support.”
Details related to the search process for the new City Clerk as well as the selection of an Interim Clerk will be announced later this month.