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Meet Marla Paddock, Arizona Municipal Clerks' Association President
Marla Paddock
President, AMCA
City Clerk, Chandler
Marla Paddock is the current president of the Arizona Municipal Clerks' Association (AMCA). The AMCA is an association made of up municipal, county, and special
district clerks and assistant clerks whose mission is to develop, maintain, and refine the knowledge base required to serve their communities through training,
information sharing and communication.
To learn more about AMCA you can visit their website.
Please tell us a little about your background.
I'm an Arizona native - born in Casa Grande and raised in Coolidge. I've been fortunate to have spent the past 29 years working for the City of Chandler - the
community I now call home. In 2002, I was appointed city clerk by the council. I have been active in the Arizona Municipal Clerks' Association for many years,
but most recently as a member of the Executive Board.
What prompted you to go into the municipal clerk profession?
When I became employed by the City of Chandler in 1986, it was for a records clerk position in the city clerk's office. Most people don't understand the full
realm of duties the clerk is responsible for, and I certainly was one of "those" people! The profession is said to be the oldest among local public servants
(along with the tax collector). We are basically known for being the "remembrancers" or recorders of history, but our duties are far reaching. The city clerk
at that time, Carolyn Dunn, was a wonderful mentor to me. She lived by the principle that the city clerk's office should be a place where a resident can obtain
information - whether it be to run for city council; inquire about a recall, referendum or initiative; or make a public records request. She truly considered
this position as a public servant as it serves the residents, voters, elected officials, other city departments, and outside agencies in a fair and impartial
manner. She taught me early on that any one person who came through my office door, whether it be a week or 20 years later, could one day become my boss, so
always treat people with the respect and fairness they deserve.
As my responsibilities changed over the years in this office, I was fortunate to meet so many dynamic people that are simply interested in serving their
community. I am honored that many will remain lifelong friends. So while I never "aspired" to be a city clerk 29 years ago, I could not have imagined
another position that would afforded me the same opportunity and knowledge.
What goals are you most proud of that have been achieved since you became president of AMCA?
I really see this as a relay race. I was given the torch to carry last July and the past president (Lisa Garcia, Florence) had a few goals in play. I think
it's a combination of continuing that vision, enhancing it with ideas that I have, and building consensus on the Board for our vision for the future years. I
am blessed to be surrounded by a cadre of dedicated board members, committee members, and clerks!
I love looking for ways to bridge gaps, streamline our communications and afford greater training opportunities to our membership. Over the past year, we have
been able to reassess and strengthen our partnership with Arizona State University who administers our Certified Municipal Clerk Program. The administrative
support and guidance we receive from the League has been greatly appreciated.
What do you still hope to accomplish before your term as president expires in July?
Last July I thought 365 days was more than enough time to accomplish my goals and take care of the month to month business of our organization. Not so! However,
over the next four months, the accomplishments will include (with the help of many): a comprehensive review of our AMCA Handbook and Committee consolidation, an
enhanced Certified Election Official Certification and Recertification Program, adoption of a fiscally strong budget for AMCA, and the offering of four distinct
training/educational opportunities for our membership. On July 29, 2015, when I pass the torch, I want to make sure I have done all I can to prepare our next
President (Bev Bender, Fountain Hills) to continue to carry out the vision of AMCA.
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League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org
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