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Farmington Spotlights
Susan K. Halberstadt Farmington's Spotlight is on Susan K. Halberstadt, Farmington's City Clerk and Election Official. Managing the election process in the City of Farmington is an important part of what we do in the Clerk's Office, Sue Halberstadt, Farmington City Clerk, recently explained. Normally in a general election year a great deal of time and effort is dedicated to the election process. However, with the addition of the presidential primary in January and anticipation of record voter turnout for the remaining two elections this year presents an even greater challenge. “Still, there is more on tap this year than just increased voter turnout.” Halberstadt explained, “The state legislature is considering a number of bills affecting election procedure. For example, legislation has been introduced that would expand voter registration to include any county, city or township clerk's office in this state. The change would allow a Michigan State University student, for example, whose residence is Farmington, to register in person at the City Clerk's office in Lansing. If the change becomes law, the Lansing Clerk will be permitted to sign-off on the registration and the student will be permitted to receive an absent voter ballot from Farmington.” “In a general election year the state provides extensive, on-going training for clerks who in turn are expected to train our local election officials. Local election officials typically attend a two-hour training session prior to each election. Training involves all aspects of the election process including: completing an application to vote, voter verification, issuing and tabulating ballots and a host of other related responsibilities such as the new procedure of Voter I.D. requirement.” “Looking toward this year's election,” Halberstadt said, “we are fortunate to have a solid core of precinct chairs and co-chairs and about 55 election officials and volunteers who are ready to serve. Our election officials conduct a professional and orderly election each and every time and work tirelessly through a very long and demanding day. It is no surprise, however, because Farmington residents are known for their strong volunteerism.” In addition to overseeing the election process, the Clerk's Office is also responsible for documenting all City Council meetings and following through on council actions, including publications, correspondence and obtaining signatures for approved contracts. The Clerk's office makes sure the Council decisions are appropriately communicated to all concerned parties, ordinances are properly published and codified and records are appropriately maintained. "The City of Farmington has a great combination of wonderful citizens and top-notch municipal employees," said Halberstadt. "The ongoing involvement of our citizens demonstrates that they care about what is happening in the city. As city employees, we strive to provide an environment characterized by friendliness, professionalism and collaboration." Sue feels the relatively small size of the city helps make things work. "Take a walk downtown and it's likely you'll pass someone you know."Business registrations are also another important part of the Clerk's Office function. More than 400 businesses are registered in Farmington and a number of massage facilities and taxi cabs are licensed here, too, explained Halberstadt. “Along with Public Safety we ensure licensing requirements under the City code are met and maintained.” “Solicitors licensed by the Clerk's Office must receive Public Safety approval and must carry their license when soliciting in Farmington . The Clerk's Office also administers the City's Oakwood Cemetery maintaining records on all gravesites and authorizing opening and closing of graves.” On the horizon, Halberstadt anticipates an expansion of the Clerk's document imaging initiative. “Last year, we installed new business registration and cemetery management software to improve productivity and recordkeeping. Next year, we plan to upgrade our document imaging and document back up processes.” Sue Halberstadt first began working for Farmington more than nine years ago in a part-time position in the City Manager's office. Later, she became a full-time employee adding Personnel responsibilities and acting as recording secretary for the Clerk's department. And, in August 2001, she became deputy to City Clerk Patsy Cantrell. Sue explained, “I earned my credentials as a Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) and plan to obtain my Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation.” Born and raised north of Chicago, Sue is a graduate of Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, IL, where she earned a Bachelors of Science degree. She moved to the Detroit area with her young family in 1986. Previously, she worked in corporate human resources, but then became a full-time mom to raise her two children. “Now, with both adult children away from home, my husband Gregg and I are beginning to accept our new role as ‘empty nesters'." "We have the makings of a Grand Valley State University family with son Eric a recent Grand Valley graduate and daughter Samantha graduating later this year.”
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| Past Farmington Spotlighters Home · Farmington Living · Mayor's Message · City Manager · Key Contacts The City of Farmington • 23600 Liberty Street • Farmington, MI • 48335 • 248-474-5500 | |||
