Lafayette takes time to recognize a vital cog in township government

LAFAYETTE-The backbone of a municipality is more often than not the Municipal Clerk and other unsung workers of the town. Such is the case in Lafayette whose clerk, Anna Rose Fedish, has been recognized by the Town Council in a proclamation, as part of Municipal Clerks Week, May 1-7. Fedish came to Sussex County from Linden to fulfill a dream of her husband, Michael, who often vacationed in the area as a child. "I like the people here, and that's why we're here," said Fedish. The proclamation acknowledges the position of municipal clerk as being the oldest among public servants and an honored and vital part of local government throughout the world. Further, it recognizes her position as the "link between the citizens, local governing bodies, and agencies of government at other levels…rendering equal service to all." "My favorite thing is dealing with the people and meeting with them," said Fedish. "It's nice to see everybody, especially in the new building. Residents enter with a smile. It's my favorite part of the job." A resident of Lafayette since 1983, she has two children, Nicole, 19, a student at Sussex County Community College, and eight-year-old Mikey, who is a second grader at Lafayette School. Fedish strives to improve her performance through participation in education programs, seminars, and workshops. She also attends annual meetings of state, province, county and international professional organizations. "I like secretarial work, and it's interesting being the municipal clerk," she said. "I meet a lot of people and often I'm able to help them or direct them to someone who can. I enjoy helping people." She has been a member of the township staff since 1988 and became the municipal clerk in 2003. Some of her duties include secretary to the governing body and to the municipality as a whole. She is required to prepare minutes of meetings and is custodian of all records such as deeds, bonds, contracts, etc. Fedish must be at all meetings and is responsible for files of ordinances, resolutions and records of minutes. She is also chief elections officer and chief administrative officer. Her plans for the future entail remaining in the position as municipal clerk, a job she hopes to keep until she retires. "The town is growing," she concluded, "and we're getting involved with more activities between the school and us, the fire department and us, the public and us. Hopefully I can help streamline the process and make things easier for all and be the go-between when there is the need. I would like to see the whole community working as one."