Pittsfield Councilor Resigns for Clerk's Spot
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Tyer, who was re-elected unopposed last year for Ward 3, will replace Jody Phillips, who is leaving City Hall for a job with General Dynamics.
Mayor James M. Ruberto said on Wednesday that he will name Tyer the city's 20th clerk after the state-mandated waiting period of 30 days. She will be appointed during a special City Council meeting on Jan. 9, 2009.
"I am honored to have Mayor Ruberto's nomination," said Tyer. "I am looking forward to using my administrative skills and everything I have learned while on the City Council and serving Pittsfield in a new and challenging position.
"Jody has served the citizens of Pittsfield with distinction. Many people have great respect and admiration for her service and I will strive to carry on the tradition."
The city will hold a special election to fill the remaining year of Tyer's term.
Tyer has represented Ward 3 since being swept into office in 2003, one of three successful candidates endorsed by the Women Helping Empower Neighborhoods (WHEN) political action committee.
"Linda has been a great city councilor over the past five years, and I look forward to working with her on a daily basis as the clerk," said Ruberto.
Tyer received her degree from Bay Path College in Longmeadow and has lived in the Berkshires since 1988. She and her husband, James, purchased their first house together on Ventura Avenue seven years ago. She has worked for the Lenox Public Schools for 17 years, 12 as the administrative assistant to the superintendent of schools.
"I think Linda is an excellent choice especially for two reasons: first, she is definitely a people person and, second, she is very detail oriented as shown both at the City Council and the Community Development Board," said City Council President Gerald Lee.
A special meeting of the City Council has been called for Friday, Dec. 12, at noon in the clerk's office to approve warrants for the special election. Nomination papers will be available in the clerk's office immediately after the meeting.
Prospective candidates must collect 50 signatures from registered voters in Ward 3 by Jan. 6. If a preliminary election is needed, it will be held on Feb. 24 with the general election to be held on March 31. The two polling places will be at All-Souls Church on Pembroke Avenue and Providence Court on East Street.
