Centi seeks fourth term



GUILDERLAND — Maintaining records and being the recording secretary for a town government that serves 35,000 residents is just another day on the job for Rosemary Centi.

She is running unopposed for her fourth two-year term as town clerk, a post that pays $48,834 annually.
Centi was appointed to fill the unexpired term of the town’s previous clerk in 2000, and then ran again in 2001 in what she called "back-to-back campaigns."

She will appear on the Democratic, Conservative, and Independence lines on Nov. 6.

Prior to being town clerk, Centi was a foreign language teacher. She speaks both Spanish and Italian, which she says is useful when people come to Town Hall looking for various permits like marriage licenses.

The Guilderland Town Clerk is responsible for issuing permits and licenses; preparing elections; serving as the Freedom of Information Law officer; being the records officer; acting as the town board’s recording secretary; and serving as a passport agent.
"I always chuckle to myself when people ask what is it that I do," Centi said. "If any record is produced, I am responsible for it"That’s a big responsibility and I take that very seriously."
When asked what she liked the most about her job, Centi quickly responded, "The counter."
"I love that," she said of serving residents who come to her window at Town Hall. "I really do love the people who come to the counter everyday," Centi said. "Some of these people have been here for years and you hear some of their stories"It’s amazing."

Centi said she takes a hard line in keeping organized, accessible records for the public.
"I’ve been very consistent for seven years. If we have it here, you can see it," she said. "I like people, walking away and saying, ‘I’m so glad you’re here and I didn’t have to drive to downtown Albany.’"
Compared to many of the towns in the area, Centi said, Guilderland’s town hall is "very open and accessible."
"If anyone needs us to stay open late, we always accommodate them, especially if it’s for an important license or permit," said Centi. "We’re very accessible that way."

The town clerk’s office is open from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each weekday. The office is staffed by Centi and two other full-time deputy clerks.