Farewell to a model city clerk

She is the most beloved elected official the city of Huntington Beach

has. Residents adore her, City Council members rely on her and,

despite butting heads over procedure now and then, co-workers enjoyed

her and respected her commitment to the job and city.

Her humble, quiet manner is endearing and her perfectionist

attitude toward her work and attention to detail made her an

exceptional city clerk.

Connie Brockway vacated the post of city clerk she has held for 16

consecutive years this week because of a family illness.

The 62-year-old has been with the city since 1968 and will be sorely missed.

Brockway first entered City Hall at 27 to interview for a position

with the Fire Department, but she was sent to the wrong department to

interview. She says the paperwork mix-up was the best thing that

could have happened to her. We say it was the best thing that could

have happened to the city. The Fire Department’s loss was the city’s

gain.

Brockway reveled in the minutia of City Council meetings that is

enough to drive most people insane. She loved to keep city officials

on track and be a watchdog for the people. Her dedication to protocol

made her an ideal city clerk.

Everyone in her office was always chipper and friendly, and that

says a lot about the management of the department.

The City Council has appointed Joan Flynn, a public works

employee, as a temporary replacement until the November election. She

has very big shoes to fill, as does the victor in the upcoming

election.

We wish Brockway well, and a speedy recovery to her ailing family

member. Thank you for your years of service and dedication to the

residents of Huntington Beach.