City Recorder, Municipal Clerk, Town Clerk, or City Secretary is the title born by the oldest of public servants. The office can be traced to 1271 A.D. in the History of the Corporation of Old London. When the early colonists came to America, they set up forms of local government and the office of clerk was one of the first established. The colony at Plymouth appointed a person to act as a "recorder".

With this prominent history in mind, the Oregon Association of Municipal Recorders' primary mission is to preserve the honor and dignity established by our predecessors. No other office in municipal government serves so many; namely, the Mayor and Council, Commission/County, City Manager/Administrator, administrative departments, and citizens. The recorder's work demands versatility, alertness, accuracy and long hours.

Our Values:

• Dedicated to the concepts of continued education, high quality service and professionalism.
• Affirm the dignity and worth of the services rendered. Maintain a constructive, creative and practical attitude and keep a deep sense of social responsibility as a trusted public servant.
• Remain dedicated to ideals of honor and integrity. Insist on performance which will merit the respect and confidence of peers and public.
• Recognize the City Recorders' role as a major representative of government, the direct link between the residents of their municipalities, their government and all local government positions.
• Provide information and assistance as requested and uphold and implement municipal policies adopted by elected officials.
• Make it a duty to improve professional ability and develop competence.
• Emphasize friendly and courteous service to the public; and seek to improve the quality and image of public service.
• Handle each problem without discrimination on the basis of principle and justice.
• Seek no favor; believe that personal gain or profit secured by confidential information or misuse of public time is dishonest.