PORT ANGELES — Outgoing elected officials Judy Scott and John Miller were formally recognized Tuesday for their years of service to Clallam County citizens.
Scott, the county treasurer, and Miller, the Department of Community Development director, lost their bids for re-election and will step down from office at the end of the month.
“Both Judy and John really epitomize public service,” Commissioner Steve Tharinger said in a short ceremony.
“Both of them really realize the challenges but also the rewards and also how important it is to serve the public, and they’ve done an excellent job.”
Scott received a standing ovation from about 30 county employees and other citizens in the audience. She has worked in the Treasurer’s Office in various capacities for more than 27 years.
‘A lot of changes’
“I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years,” Scott said.
“It’s been my pleasure and honor to serve there and serve the last six years as the county treasurer. I’ve been blessed with a very fantastic staff. I can’t thank them enough.”
Like all long-term county employees, Scott received an etching of the courthouse as it looked in 1914.
Scott lost a close race to Selinda Barkhuis, a county planner and attorney, in the Nov. 2 election. The campaign centered on the ongoing embezzlement case of former employee Catherine Betts, who is alleged to have taken $617,467 in real estate excise taxes from the Treasurer’s Office.
“I wish everyone the best — my successor as well,” Scott said.
The newly elected officials take office Jan. 1.
‘Great staff’
Miller received a certificate of appreciation for four years as Community Development director. He said he enjoyed working with an “absolutely great staff.”
“Too numerous to mention, but they are very professional,” he said.
Miller thanked Commissioner Mike Doherty for encouraging him to run for the charter review commission in 2001, which got him started in county government.
Sheila Roark Miller, a county code enforcement officer and deputy fire marshal, defeated John Miller in the election.
“I wish the county well,” John Miller said.
“I wish my successor, Sheila Miller, well, too.”
Community Development has about 30 employees in planning, building and code enforcement.
Tharinger praised Scott for her work with the United Way and Miller for recognizing the strength of his staff and “managing them by letting them do what they do well.”
“You will both be missed, and good luck in your futures,” Tharinger said.
After the meeting, Scott said she will consider partial retirement and “take some time and see what develops.”
Miller, former executive director for the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe, has accepted an offer to become the executive director of the Stillaguamish tribe in Arlington beginning Jan. 4. He worked there as a health director 20 years ago.
“It’s been an honor to serve with both of you, particularly in these challenging times when there seems to be a duplicitous message from voters that want to pay fewer taxes but want better services, higher quality of services,” said Doherty, who won a close race against political newcomer Robin Poole last month.
“To be a manager of a department during these times, or just being in a campaign as an elected official, is a pretty difficult challenge. Hopefully, we’ve all learned some lessons along the way. As human beings, we’re better for it, but the county government is better for it because you were here to help serve the public.”
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
