Geesaman chosen as clerk (02/03/2009)

Portland Democrats selected Randy Geesaman as the city's new clerk-treasurer Monday night.

Geesaman was selected in a majority secret ballot vote by five Portland precinct committeemen to replace current clerk-treasurer Linda Kennedy, who is retiring Feb. 28.

He was selected over Diana Goodman, the city's payroll clerk who will have served in the Portland office for 10 years this Sunday. Democrat chairman Tim Southworth thanked both for applying for the position.

"I put my name in," said Goodman without much disappointment. "I'm still content to be payroll clerk."

Geesaman, a Portland resident and one of the committeemen who cast a ballot, said he has been involved in city politics for about six years as part of his party's campaigns in the area.

"I feel very honored and humbled," he said. "I've followed two very moral and ethical ladies ... in Linda Kennedy and Barb Blackford."

Geesaman said he has already digested the 2009 city budget and is familiar with the duties he'll be expected to fill. Kennedy will be helping the new clerk-treasurer transition into the role during the next month.

"We have a lot of experience working in the office," he said, expecting the March 1 switch to go smoothly. "I've done my homework ahead of time."[[In-content Ad]]