Citizens of El Paso County are invited to apply to participate in the second Clerk & Recorder’s Office – Citizens’ Academy beginning September 23, 2009. The eight-week program offers an insider’s view of the four statutory departments that comprise the Clerk & Recorder’s Office and includes a segment, “Live from Centennial Hall,” on Election Night.
Participants receive a thorough review and analysis of the functions, challenges, statutory requirements and customer service issues of the Election, Recording, Motor Vehicle and Clerk to the Board Departments. Each person who successfully completes the Academy will become an Honorary Deputy Clerk.
The sessions will be held 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., September 23 – November 9, 2009. The schedule and application to participate can be accessed by the links on this page. Please note, attendance on Election Night, November 3, is mandatory and to successfully complete the Academy only one absence during the eight-week program may be excused with prior notice.
Bob Balink, Clerk & Recorder, said, “Our office provides many services…from motor vehicle registration to marriage licenses to the constitutional right to vote in an election. The Citizens’ Academy offers a venue for people to understand how the services of the Clerk & Recorder’s Office are administered according to state and federal statute. It also generates an open dialogue between our staff and the community-minded citizens who participate in the Academy. We look forward to a new Academy in 2009 and the opportunity to interact on a personal level with our citizens.”
There is no charge to attend the Academy but space is limited. Participation is open to El Paso County residents. High school seniors and college students are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is Thursday, August 20, 2009.
For information on the Clerk & Recorder’s Office - Citizens’ Academy, please contact Mary Lynn Black at (719) 520-6215 or via email at marylynnblack@elpasoco.com.