Town Clerk Patricia Strauss, whose 22-year tenure saw the digitization of data and improved access to all town documents, will retire effective Dec. 31, First Selectman Jim Marpe announced today.
In 2014, First Selectman Jim Marpe swore in Patricia H. Strauss to her fifth term as Westport Town Clerk as her staff and son, Greg, looked on. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
“It is with regret that I accept Patty’s retirement letter,” Marpe said. “The Town of Westport and its residents have been extremely fortunate to be the beneficiaries of Patty’s expertise and historical knowledge for over 22 years.
“In addition to successfully managing all the intricacies of Town Clerk business, during Patty’s tenure, the town has digitized and improved the data and access to town documents and land records,” Marpe added. “The State of Connecticut has also benefited from her statewide leadership of fellow town clerks.”
Strauss has served as president of the Connecticut Town Clerks Association (CTCA), as well as on its executive board
Marpe said the town will begin a search process for her replacement.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to work side-by-side with a group of such dedicated, hardworking fellow employees and volunteers who have supported my vision to move the town records from paper documents housed in the town vault, now accessible today in the digital world,” Strauss said. “I am proud to have held the position and title of Town Clerk serving the Town of Westport.
“I am grateful for the personal and professional support of this administration, and to have met so many wonderful Westport citizens assisting with their personal needs and interactions with the town clerk’s office over the years,” she added. “I will truly miss this part of each day.”
She added that she and her husband Ed look forward” to traveling new roads and sharing quality time with family and friends.”
On a personal level, Patty has provided me and my predecessors unwavering support and advice,” Marpe said. “I am thankful for her positive demeanor and unprecedented professional knowledge and skill. I wish her all the best as she enters this new chapter in her life. She will be truly missed.”
