TMCA Clerk Connections

How City Secretaries Keep Small Cities Running

Join host Marie Balthrop as she sits down with Machiel Covey (Clarendon, Texas), Gretchen Mercer (Canyon, Texas), and Kimberly Sloat (Canadian, Texas) to explore the vital yet often unseen role of city secretaries in small Texas communities. They discuss their unique paths into the profession, the wide-ranging responsibilities they juggle—from elections and HR to budgeting and legal matters—and the challenges of working with limited resources. Through their experiences, they highlight the invaluable support of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association and the power of training, networking, and adaptability in navigating the complexities of small-city governance.
 
Clerk Connections to produced by Association Briefings.

Citizen Engagement, Technology, and Education

Join host Marie Balthrop as she chats with Mary Lynne Stratta, the newly retired city secretary for the City of Bryan, Texas, about her remarkable 44-year career in local government, including 34 years as city secretary. Mary Lynne reflects on the evolution of local government, the growing role of city secretaries, and the importance of sharing one’s professional journey. She highlights how technology has enhanced efficiency, the rise of citizen engagement, and the value of continuing education and certification. Mary Lynne also shares unforgettable moments, such as her involvement in a legal case surrounding a city deed and her work supporting the Bryan Fire Department after a devastating fire. She concludes with insights on founding the Helping Heroes Burn Foundation and the lasting impact of her work in public service.
 
Clerk Connections is produced by Association Briefings.

Ensuring Neutrality and Accuracy in Texas Election Petitions

Join host Marie Balthrop as she talks with Rezzin Pullum, an associate attorney with the Bojorquez Law Firm, about petitions under Texas Election Code 277. They explore best practices for verifying signatures, addressing common issues like mismatched dates of birth and name changes, and ensuring city clerks maintain neutrality throughout the process. Pullum emphasizes leveraging tools such as the Texas Secretary of State voter portal and GIS systems for efficient verification and stresses the importance of documenting reasons for rejecting signatures while staying updated on local laws and requirements.
 
Clerk Connections is produced by Association Briefings.

Shaping Policy and Supporting Texas Cities: A Conversation with Texas Municipal League Leaders

Join host Marie Balthrop as she sits down with Bennett Sandlin, executive director at Texas Municipal League, and Rachael Pitts, deputy executive director at Texas Municipal League, to discuss shaping legislative policies. They delve into the critical support TML provides through legal assistance, research, conferences, and training for municipalities. The conversation also highlights the growing shortage of financial staff in smaller cities, TML’s specialized boot camps, its annual conference, and the essential role of legislative updates and networking in empowering local governments.
 
Clerk Connections is produced by Association Briefings.

The Power of Certification: Benefits and Resources for Texas Municipal Clerks

Join host Marie Balthrop in our debut episode as she sits down with key members of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association team. Guests include Lee Woodward, TRMC, city secretary in La Porte, Texas, and president of TMCA; Amy Holt, PhD, TRMC, education director; Kathleen Spriggs, program project specialist; and Miriam Sheehan, TRMC, administrative director. They discuss the significant benefits of certification, such as increased confidence, continuous learning, and access to a supportive network of city leaders. The episode also highlights essential resources available to municipal officials in Texas, including manuals, webinars, and local chapters. The conversation emphasizes the importance of utilizing these resources and networking opportunities to enhance knowledge sharing and support within the community.
 
Clerk Connections is produced by Association Briefings.

Clerk Connections Trailer

The Texas Municipal Clerks Association presents the all-new Clerk Connections – an original podcast series where we chat one-on-one with leaders in our community offering candid conversations and fresh perspectives on Texas’s local government and unique stories to inspire. Check out the trailer for season one!