Perspective/Atlantic County Clerk

Joseph J. Giralo Atlantic County Clerk

This month I want to talk a bit about the new friendships I have made throughout the county and the state while serving as the Atlantic County Clerk. Coming into a new job I felt it was important to speak with other county clerks from around the state.

I met with some prior to taking office and others I reached out to soon after taking office. I must say that they are always ready, willing and able to help in any way.

My first meeting was with the long standing Clerk of Cape May County, Rita Rothberg. Rita spent time explaining how she runs her office and all of the duties that she carries out. After touring her office one could see why she has served for several decades. It was extremely clear to me how organized she is and her staff follows suit. This is a skill set that is clearly needed in running the clerk’s office. Rita had worked for the clerk’s office prior to running for clerk, which has given her the ability to hit the ground running. Next I met the very talented Mary Melfi, the clerk of Hunterdon County. She has spent more than 15 years in that office.

Once again a very organized clerk that has a handle on the office and is a true public servant, when one calls her office at 6 a.m., as I do, she answers the phone herself. I imagine we hit it off so well as she’s an early riser as well…she is a master when it comes to new legislation that is coming to clerks around the state. Truly a leader in that category.

I also met with Joseph Ripa, Clerk of Camden County, who has served Camden County for many years. He to runs an extremely well oiled office and is respected for the changes he has been able to make in the office over the years.

All of the above clerks were most helpful when giving pointers of the dos and don’ts in the clerk’s office. I must say they are all masters in their office. There is not a situation they have not faced during their tenure. Keep in mind that in some counties the clerk has more election duties based upon their population and if they have a Board of Elections or a Superintendent of Elections. I consider them the “Deans of County Clerks.”

It has also been a great year working with the many elected officials throughout our county.

Know that our elected officials in this county truly understand what it means to serve the people. It has been most interesting see how many of them will go the extra mile for their citizens. Working with the old and new has been such a pleasure, because the people are getting the services they need.

Lastly, it has been great working with our Atlantic County Surrogate Jim Curcio who works tirelessly for our citizens many times at a very difficult time during a person’s life. My hat goes off to the job Jim does in helping people. Lastly I want to say thank you to the Board of Commissioners and our Atlantic County Executive Denny Levinson for all of their support this past year.

As always if you have any questions please feel free to contact our office at (609) 625-4011.

Joseph J. Giralo

Atlantic County Clerk