Today, it’s almost unthinkable that someone would stay with the same employer for 47 years, but that’s precisely what Ialeen McAuliffe Dunn did. On December 19, 2024, Dunn retired as assistant town clerk with a small ceremony, a party, and an official citation from the state commending her years of service.
First Selectman Bill Morrison called the retirement “bittersweet,” saying that Dunn is a valuable partner with the first selectman’s office. He also hopes that she will send her expertise to the town from time to time.
Town Clerk Karen Troiano described working with Dunn as an honor and a privilege while trying to fight off tears. She added that people would be surprised how many things in Stafford “started with a good idea from Ialeen.” Meanwhile, Donna Wright said Dunn’s retirement presented “a grand opportunity for the Stafford Garden Club,” of which they are both members. Dunn is already a hardworking club member who has helped beautify Stafford over the years, and now she will have even more time to devote to that pursuit.
Dunn, also the Assistant Registrar of Vital Statistics, began her career in Stafford in January of 1978, working for First Selectman John Julian. More than 20 years later, she was ready for a change, and as she wrote on Facebook, she moved into a position as the Assistant Town Clerk. “The energy, diversity of duties and historical record keeping aspect of that office was a perfect fit for me,” she wrote on Facebook.
Dunn’s retirement is the second for Stafford’s Town Clerk’s office this year. Doreen Moulton retired in August, and Susan Vincenti was hired to replace her, taking her oath of office as assistant town clerk on September 9, 2024. Unlike the town clerk, assistant town clerks are not elected – they are “appointed,” a slightly misleading way of saying they are hired.
Troiano said the Town Clerk’s Office would be looking to hire someone with some certifications or on-the-job experience already in place. Troiano, also closing in on her retirement, has helped make the case for changing her position from elected to an “appointed” one. Most people do not want to campaign to keep their jobs every two years, so even seasoned employees inside the clerk’s office might not be interested in taking on that responsibility.
In Tolland County, only three towns elect their town clerks: Stafford, Somers, and Union. It takes about four years to get fully certified as a Town Clerk. With the changing of the guard, it may not be long before Stafford has to decide whether or not to continue electing someone into the statutorily driven position.
Editor's Note: Any time I write about this issue, it reminds me of a story from Maine where the town effectively shut down after the sole town clerk quit. It's a good reminder of how vital a knowledgeable clerk is to any town. Read more about that here.