# The Essential Role of a Town Clerk (with Laroue Shatzkin) | Ep. 114

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/ground-floor-government-7436219/the-essential-role-of-a-town-clerk-with-laroue-shatzkin-ep-114
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/ground-floor-government-7436219/the-essential-role-of-a-town-clerk-with-laroue-shatzkin-ep-114.md
Podcast: [Ground Floor Government](https://stenobird.com/podcast/ground-floor-government-7436219)
Published: 2026-09-09T21:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://phonelive.captivate.fm
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/4a047e63-f386-4d15-813a-2a27159d3c1a.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/ground-floor-government-7436219/episodes/the-essential-role-of-a-town-clerk-with-laroue-shatzkin-ep-114
Duration seconds: 1142

## Resource

Summary In this episode, we explore the journey of Laroue, a town clerk in Cortlandt, New York, who shares her experiences in local government. From her family's political legacy to the challenges faced during COVID-19, Laroue discusses the vital role of a town clerk, the importance of community engagement, and the ongoing digital transformation in local governance. She emphasizes the significance of communication skills and offers advice for those aspiring to enter local government. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Laroue is a third-generation politically active woman. She was elected as town clerk after serving as a district leader. The role of a town clerk includes processing vital statistics and meeting minutes. COVID-19 presented unique challenges for local government operations. Digital transformation is crucial for improving public access to records. Budgetary investments can significantly impact local government projects. Effective communication is essential in dealing with the public. Connecting with the community is key to being elected. Innovative ideas, like giving out ring pops, can create memorable connections. The role of a town clerk is multifaceted and requires adaptability. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

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## Transcript

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