by Kristina Gabalski
Kathi RickmanIt’s not easy to get Kathi Rickman to talk about herself, particularly if it’s about receiving the 2012 New York State Town Clerk of the Year Award.
“Everybody keeps saying, ‘Congratulations,’” Kathi says, “I’m just doing my job.”
Kathi, who has served as Hamlin Town Clerk for 23 years, received the award in April at the New York State Town Clerk Association’s annual banquet in Saratoga Springs.
All the attention and accolades have been a little overwhelming for Kathi. “It’s finally off the sign,” she says of the fact news of her award was removed (but not until after Wheel Fest) from the sign outside the Hamlin Town Hall.
Kathi was selected for the award by her peers for her superior service and dedication as a professional and for outstanding service above and beyond her duties.
Kathi, who has completed all the requirements for Master Municipal Clerk, has been a member of the NYS Town Clerk Association for 23 years and a member of the Monroe County Town Clerk’s/Tax Receiver’s Association where she has held several leadership positions.
Kathi also serves as Hamlin’s Records Access Officer, Records Management Officer and Notary, Passport Agent Manager and Tax Collector. She is a founder of the Hamlin Farmers Market, staffs the annual free rabies clinic and is a founder and chairperson of the Hamlin Wheel Fest.
The town recently honored her with a proclamation thanking Kathi for her years of service and congratulating her on her being selected the 2012 NYS Town Clerk of the Year.
“She’s the face of the town,” Supervisor Tom Breslawski says of Kathi. “She’s here all the time. She’s the first one in the building everyday and the last one out. Everybody knows Kathi.”
In his letter supporting Kathi for the award of Town Clerk of the Year, Breslawski wrote: “Kathi’s good nature and hard work ethic set an excellent example for other town employees, and make her a tremendous goodwill ambassador for the Town of Hamlin. From a personal standpoint, during my time in town government I have never (known) someone who cares more about the people of Hamlin than Kathi Rickman.”
Breslawski adds that the award also brings positive publicity to Hamlin. “We’ve got somebody here who is tops in the state,” he says.
Kathi says the award came as a total shock. “You have no idea,” she says, “everybody knew about it and they kept their mouths’ shut.”
What’s the best part about the job she does so well? “I love the people in the town,” she says. “I love doing for them.”
