Donley resigns as clerk of courts
Lead Summary
By
Rory Ryan-hcpress@cinci.rr.com
After more than two decades as Highland County Clerk of Courts, Paulette Donley surprised the Highland County Board of Commissioners Wednesday, April 6 by announcing her retirement.
In a letter dated April 6, Donley said her retirement is effective in nine days.
"This is my official notice to you and the public of my retirement from the office of the Highland County Clerk of Courts Common Pleas," Donley wrote. "I have chosen April 15, 2011 as my date of retirement. I will serve officially through that date and will remain available for the interim clerk and until the appointment of a successor Clerk has been made.
"It has been my pleasure to serve the citizens of this county and countless attorneys and judges over the past 22-1/2 years."
Donley held back tears, saying, "I'm not going to cry," as commissioners, county auditor Bill Fawley and county prosecutor Jim Grandey hugged the longtime clerk of courts.
"This comes with a heaviness of heart," Donley said. "I do love my work. I want to thank my staff and the previous staff for all they do, as we've been short-handed in the office."
Donley told commissioners she would make herself available to the interim clerk of courts as needed and without compensation.
Donley has more than 30 years of public service, including work in the Hillsboro city auditor's office, Hillsboro Municipal Court and the clerk of court's office.
"It's been a joy," Donley said. "Public service isn't for everyone. I think Highland County has been fortunate with so many who are willing to serve."
Donley thanked commissioners and other county officials for their support.
Commissioners Shane Wilkin, Tom Horst and Jeremy Shaffer thanked Donley for her many years of service before she left the meeting with her husband, Dick Donley.
"We're going to Disney World," Mr. Donley said as they left.
***
"What's our next move?" Commissioner Tom Horst asked.
According to Grandey, "The statute says commissioners may appoint an interim clerk. It doesn't say you have to. As far as appointing an interim, it's your decision."
Grandey also mention the Highland County Republican Party Central Committee would likely be meeting on the vacancy left by the Republican clerk of courts.
Donley has recommended chief deputy Carol Shaw as a possible interim clerk.
"The announcement really caught us off guard," Horst said.
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In a letter dated April 6, Donley said her retirement is effective in nine days.
"This is my official notice to you and the public of my retirement from the office of the Highland County Clerk of Courts Common Pleas," Donley wrote. "I have chosen April 15, 2011 as my date of retirement. I will serve officially through that date and will remain available for the interim clerk and until the appointment of a successor Clerk has been made.
"It has been my pleasure to serve the citizens of this county and countless attorneys and judges over the past 22-1/2 years."
Donley held back tears, saying, "I'm not going to cry," as commissioners, county auditor Bill Fawley and county prosecutor Jim Grandey hugged the longtime clerk of courts.
"This comes with a heaviness of heart," Donley said. "I do love my work. I want to thank my staff and the previous staff for all they do, as we've been short-handed in the office."
Donley told commissioners she would make herself available to the interim clerk of courts as needed and without compensation.
Donley has more than 30 years of public service, including work in the Hillsboro city auditor's office, Hillsboro Municipal Court and the clerk of court's office.
"It's been a joy," Donley said. "Public service isn't for everyone. I think Highland County has been fortunate with so many who are willing to serve."
Donley thanked commissioners and other county officials for their support.
Commissioners Shane Wilkin, Tom Horst and Jeremy Shaffer thanked Donley for her many years of service before she left the meeting with her husband, Dick Donley.
"We're going to Disney World," Mr. Donley said as they left.
***
"What's our next move?" Commissioner Tom Horst asked.
According to Grandey, "The statute says commissioners may appoint an interim clerk. It doesn't say you have to. As far as appointing an interim, it's your decision."
Grandey also mention the Highland County Republican Party Central Committee would likely be meeting on the vacancy left by the Republican clerk of courts.
Donley has recommended chief deputy Carol Shaw as a possible interim clerk.
"The announcement really caught us off guard," Horst said.
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