Retirement Statement

Elaine Jasko
Retiring City Clerk

After 38.5 years of dealing with City business and nights filled with meetings, I have decided to retire from my position of City Clerk.

I started my career in public service after I graduated from Rutgers in 1979.  I was hired by Mayor George Otlowski, with the support of Richard Pucci, BA, and Gail Feist, Director of Personnel.

In 1988, after the retirement of City Clerk Harold Augustine, I applied for and was selected to fill the City Clerk position.

My philosophy of dealing with politicians and City residents, my ultimate bosses, remained constant throughout my career. I hope I treated all residents alike. I hope I served them well.

One of my greatest challenges began shortly after I became the City Clerk. I was just getting acclimated to the job when I was presented with a big challenge—a recall petition against Mayor George Otlowski. To say that was a stressful time, is an understatement.  However, I got through it and realized that if I was able to survive a “recall”, I could handle any task that would be given to me.

In 2008, I once again was given a challenge that I survived—Breast Cancer. I wound up beating the “Big C” and in turn giving back by chairing both the Pink Ribbon Run and the Pink Ribbon Gala. Both events raised substantial funds for breast cancer awareness. The events required the help of many local volunteers and I will be forever grateful to them.

But the time has come to call it quits! It’s time to start a new chapter in my life with palm trees and pina coladas in hand!  I can’t wait to begin the journey.  I’m sure I won’t be bored. I’m an avid reader and enjoy photography. Travel is also a passion of mine. I hope to cross several places off of my “PINK BUCKET LIST”.

THANK YOU PERTH AMBOY! YOU HAVE BEEN VERY GOOD TO ME!

Elaine Jasko