City Council paid tribute to retiring City Clerk Linda MacIntyre during an emotional sendoff Monday that included warm words, flowers and a resolution in honor of her 44 years of public service.
MacIntyre, 63, who was born and raised in Ocean City, said she plans to enjoy her retirement with her husband, Geoff, at their West Station Road home in the Gardens section.
Council members and Mayor Jay Gillian praised MacIntyre for her dedication and professionalism during a career that began in 1971, a year after she graduated from Ocean City High School.
She was showered with applause and given a standing ovation during what was her last council meeting.
“I don’t know how we’re going to replace you,” said Councilman Peter Guinosso, who jokingly suggested that the city should “clone” her.
Smiling broadly, MacIntyre thanked everyone for their support over the years and noted that she is leaving with fond memories.
“Serving the public is what I wanted to do. I enjoyed every minute of it,” she told Council and her co-workers who were in the audience.
The resolution is as follows:
WHEREAS, Linda MacIntyre will retire after a career of more than 44 years with the City of Ocean City; and
WHEREAS, MacIntyre outlasted nine mayors and nine business administrators since coming to work for the city in 1971 after graduating from Ocean City High School in 1970; and
WHEREAS, MacIntyre for 37 years worked hand in hand with commissioners under Ocean City’s old form of government and with mayors and business administrators under the new form before being named City Clerk in 2008; and
WHEREAS, MacIntyre for 26 years led Waves of Caring, a nonprofit group collecting and distributing toys to families in need at Christmas, and she is an officer of the Ocean City Ecumenical Council, which gathers food, clothing and money to help those in need; and
WHEREAS, MacIntyre was honored among the Women of the Year in 2011 by Zonta International Club of Atlantic City; and
WHEREAS, MacIntyre helped set up a temporary location and rebuild the Clerk’s Office after the devastating flood of Superstorm Sandy; and
WHEREAS, the City Clerk’s Office under MacIntyre’s leadership has been a model for quality customer service and professional conduct providing a vital link between the public and elected officials; and
WHEREAS, MacIntyre will be long remembered for her dedication, professionalism, loyalty, knowledge of local government, good humor and, she will regretfully have to leave behind her cherished pile of Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests to travel to exotic places; and
WHEREAS, MacIntyre will take up residence with two customers who never complain, her cats Zeus and Boots.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of Ocean City, NJ, on behalf of all citizens, that Linda MacIntyre is hereby honored and sincerely thanked for her outstanding service to the City of Ocean City, NJ; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Linda and her husband, Geoff, are wished much good health and happiness in the years ahead.
