Kennedy to retire (12/31/2008)

The new year will bring a new clerk-treasurer for the city of Portland.

Linda Kennedy, who has been city clerk-treasurer since Aug. 12, 2005, announced Tuesday in a letter to the editor that she has decided to retire. Her last day of work will be Feb. 28.

Kennedy, 67, said this morning, "I just decided it was time to do so."

She was chosen for the position by Democrat Portland precinct committeemen after clerk-treasurer Barbara Blackford died in July 2005.

Before becoming clerk-treasurer, Kennedy had served as a member of the Portland City Council since 2000.

Kennedy brought her experiences in bookkeeping and number-crunching to the clerk-treasurer job. Before being named to the position, she worked about 15 years for CrossRoads Financial Federal Credit Union (formerly known as Portland Forge Employees Federal Credit Union).

She said she has enjoyed her years as clerk-treasurer.

"It was a learning experience. You just don't realize what it takes to run a city" until you're in that position, she said. "It's just amazing the inner-workings of the city."

She added in her letter that she has enjoyed working with mayor Bruce Hosier and the city council. She also thanked her staff for all of their help.

Reflecting on her time as clerk-treasurer, she said, "I'm glad I had the experience."

Kennedy said she has no specific plans for retirement.[[In-content Ad]]