Friday — April 30, 2004

Hailey clerk earns international honor

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By MATT FURBER
Express Staff Writer

The Hailey City Council Monday recognized Carey resident Larraine Davis for earning certification as a municipal clerk by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.

Although Davis retired in February after 30 years of public service, the designation represents extra training she completed while working as a clerk for the City of Hailey.

She is the first Hailey city clerk to earn the certification, which is required in many municipalities.

Larraine Davis, Hailey city clerk

Davis completed the bulk of the training for certification earlier in her career with the city, but under the heavy workload she didn’t get around to the finishing paperwork required for the voluntary certification until recently, Davis said.

"Approval takes time," said Hailey City Clerk Heather Dawson, whose goal it is to offer all city clerks access to the educational opportunity that is akin to earning a bachelor’s degree. "She took it as a personal responsibility to take the classes. It was a priority for her."

The certification program offered through 46 universities, including Boise State University where Davis and other Hailey clerks study, is designed to empower clerks to better understand their role in government and broaden their skills, which cover a wide-range of tasks.

The institute was established in the late 1960s to help clerical staffs adjust to changes in technology and social structure.

The certification program helps municipal clerks understand change, learn skills required in the information age, and perform as competent professionals.

"It broadens your view," Davis said. "As import as the curriculum is, the people you meet and the networking the program offers helps you do your job better. Certification was always a goal for me."

Davis said when the city was updating its filing procedures and systems, they got guidance from clerks in Marcing, Idaho, which is near Caldwell.

"It just makes you think outside of the box, you learn what your coworkers are doing and learn new ways of doing things," she said.

Davis began her career in public service working as a secretary with the Carey School. After raising her son for six years, she worked for ten years as the court clerk for the Blaine County Magistrate Court.

"We have an extremely strong clerical staff," Dawson said, expressing her congratulations to the entire clerical staff assembled for Davis’ recognition. "I want to congratulate you on raising the bar."

 

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