Long-time public servant to retire this year.

There’s a changing of the guard underway at city hall. Santa Clarita City Clerk Sharon Dawson is retiring Friday, after 13 years of service to our city.

Dawson says she has enjoyed being a liaison to help people relate to their government.

“It’s nice being part of this service to help people understand how they can participate in their city government,” said Dawson. “Anyone can come and speak to the city council. Some people get a little nervous and I try to coach them through that a little bit and just make it very accessible. Truly people have more influence I think at the local level than they do at any other level of government. And I really try to get them more involved and aware of what the city’s doing on behalf of its citizens.”

As clerk, Dawson has been the chief record keeper for the city. In addition to preparing agendas and taking minutes for city council meetings, she also maintains city contracts and official records and organizes recruitment for various city commissions.

She is also the Chief Elections Officer, and oversees each local contest from the sample ballots to the final tallies. City elections are held in April of each even-numbered year.

Prior to working for Santa Clarita, Dawson acted as clerk for the City of Dana Point.  Since her first position with the City of El Cajon in 1973, she has devoted 37 years to public service.

Dawson says she looks forward to continued community activity, through both the Zonta Club and her church community.

“It’s really nice to be able to contribute something in a different way, that’s still helping other people, but it’s very nurturing to myself too. I want to still be very active in the community and help where I can – and throw in a little travel too.”

Dawson will be succeeded as city clerk by Sarah Gorman, who is currently a deputy city attorney. Gorman will take office January 4.