PORT ANGELES — Trish Holden’s last day as public records officer and clerk for the Board of County Commissioners was Friday.
Clallam County officials bid farewell to Trish Holden last Tuesday, thanking her for her 18 years of service to the county.
Commissioner Mark Ozias said it was a “bittersweet moment” for him to present a certificate of appreciation to Holden, who has accepted a position with the Sequim School District as its administrative assistant to the assistant superintendent of teaching and learning.
“She is moving to the Sequim School District to their gain and to our loss,” he said. “As someone who cares about the county, I’m cognizant of the loss this represents to the county.”
Commissioners appointed Tom Reyes as the interim public records officer until a replacement is hired.
Ozias said Holden was asked to lead the effort in revamping how the county manages public records requests, calling it a challenging job.
He said the county receives a “large number” of requests, mostly from citizens who are looking for information about their county government.
“I’m deeply appreciative of your work here at the county,” he told her.
Jim Jones, county administrator, said former commissioners and department heads have depended on her and that he has been amazed at the knowledge she had about county government.
That knowledge has helped the county follow the law, he said.
“We needed that service in the commissioners office to keep us legal and on the straight and narrow,” he said.
Holden said she has worked under nine commissioners and three administrators.
As the former public records officer who has reviewed hundreds of thousands of emails looking for responsive records, she gave some parting advice to those who still work at the county.
“Don’t conduct an affair on our county email system,” she said to a room full of laughter.
She said that instead of writing negative emails about co-workers, it might be better talking face to face with that person about whatever the issue is.
She also urged people to avoid using the “reply all” button on email.
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsula dailynews.com.
