Lorie Hogstad, a former assistant city clerk and the current licensing specialist for the city, will become the new city clerk, Council chairwoman Sue Aguilar announced today.
I have been impressed by Lorie’s professionalism as the licensing specialist for the city. The only thing that worries me about Lorie is that she has worked for the city for 27 years, while her experience and knowledge is a good thing, it can also be a detriment to progress. The thing I thought gave Owen an advantage as city clerk was that she wasn’t a city person that wanted to play the reindeer games that long time city employees play. We will see how much transparency Hogstad will bring to the table, and the latitude she will have to utilize it. Take a deep breath and cross your fingers.
UPDATE: Here are some little known factoids about Lorie’s history working for the city
• Lorie can retire with 30 years of service so she can leave (if she chooses) in a few years.
• She may be bailing out the council because they really didn’t have a plan B. Why wasn’t another assistant city clerk appointed to the position?
• Lorie worked in the clerk’s office prior to 2006 when Debra Owen was appointed.
• Lorie was in line for the promotion BUT the council insisted that they follow Charter and appoint this position (not the mayor). In doing so, the council changed (beefed up) the job description and appointed Owen. (Actually they announced the change via a press release stating Owen would serve as their Chief of Staff.)
• De Knudson (Sue Aguilar’s mentor) never cared for Owen and wanted to get rid of her and put Lorie back into that position and reduce the scope of authority of the city clerk. Looks like De and Sue got there way.
