As the City Clerk in Vaughan, I am privileged to witness firsthand the profound impact municipalities and their employees have on our communities. In fact, I am a living case study in the power of public service.

My career began almost 30 years ago in the City of Vaughan's Office of the City Clerk. Nearly ten years into my career, I was offered a position with a prestigious planning firm. I curiously accepted, enticed by the attractive opportunity and the ability to make use of my planning education. But, after two short years, I felt something was missing. I longed for the satisfaction of contributing to something greater than myself and not just the interests of a private company. Shortly after my 'ah-ha' moment, I returned to the City of Vaughan and haven't looked back.

My return to the public sector was motivated by a deep-seated desire to be a part of a collective effort towards a greater cause. It was a calling rooted in a profound sense of duty—a recognition of the vital role that municipal government plays in shaping people's lives. In many ways, that moment feels like yesterday. That's because for me, and for many others, public service is more than just a job, it's a vocation. It's about understanding the needs of citizens, addressing their concerns with compassion and integrity, and striving to build a better community for the future.

In today's rapidly evolving landscape, the role of the public service has never been more critical. Public servants are skilled in the art of doing more with less and constantly embracing innovation, leveraging technology, and adapting. Ultimately, our work is about fostering transparency, accountability, and trust to ensure the effective delivery of essential services.

The Office of the City Clerk serves as the corner stone of municipal administration, providing essential resources and support to residents, businesses, and stakeholders alike. From managing agendas and minutes to overseeing Election Services and safeguarding access to information, these administrative professionals are essential to the critical work that enables municipalities to function.

This year marks a significant milestone for the City of Vaughan as we proudly proclaim May 5-11 as Municipal Clerks Week for the very first time. However, this celebration is not a newfound tradition; it is rooted in a rich history spanning 55 years—a testament to the enduring importance of municipal clerks in our communities. Since its inception in 1969 by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), Professional Municipal Clerks Week has served as an annual occasion to honor the indispensable contributions of municipal clerks worldwide, including here in Canada.

Locally, the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) has been providing education, accreditation, leadership, and management expertise to municipal professionals for more than 85 years. As a proud member of their Board of Directors since 2018 and a longtime member, I have seen its incredible value to municipalities across the province and the people who work there.

As we celebrate Municipal Clerks Week, we not only recognize the tireless efforts of municipal clerks but all those who are dedicated to delivering excellence in public service. We honour and the legacy of those who came before us and will continue working to inspire future generations to embrace the noble calling of serving their communities.