Council clerk needs council support

In calling attention to Newark City Council's unwillingness to post its meeting minutes in a timely fashion, as I did Thursday, I was not being critical of the city employee whose responsibility is to type these minutes.

On the contrary, I have nothing but praise for Diana Hufford, council clerk. She is always very nice and cooperative, and, I believe, a hard and conscientious worker.

Diana works in the mayor's office, filling in for the lovely Susan Wade who several weeks ago resigned as secretary to the mayor. Now, Diana has so much work to do she is unable to use her vacation time and recently lost several hours because she was over the limit that employees are allowed to accrue and hold.

I understand that council used to have two clerks. Now it has, in effect, 1/2 clerk (because of the added duties).

Citizens deserve better communication from council than one vastly over-worked clerk is able to handle. If council were to save $250,000 in the tax department as has been offered them in a plan by the city treasurer they could then hire a couple people to help Diana in the mayor's office.

Council should show more concern for the well-being of its clerk and the timeliness of its record-keeping.