In this episode, host Marie Balthrop is joined by James McKechnie, Deputy City Manager and former Deputy City Attorney for Wichita Falls; Becky McGrew, City Secretary for Katy; and Bridgette Begle, municipal lawyer with Olson & Olson, LLP. Together, they explore the vital partnership between city clerks and city attorneys in local government. From managing contracts and handling public information requests to drafting ordinances and resolutions, the discussion emphasizes how strong communication and collaboration between these roles are key to ensuring compliance, transparency, and smooth city operations.

Clerk Connections is produced by Association Briefings.

Join host Marie Balthrop as she sits down with Frances Aguilar, TRMC, MMC, CPM, City Secretary of Pearland, Texas; Kevin Cole, Mayor of Pearland, Texas; Paulette Hartman, City Manager of North Richland Hills, Texas; and Alicia Richardson, TRMC, CMC, City Secretary of North Richland Hills, Texas to explore the keys to effective collaboration in local government. These experienced public servants share their personal paths into the field and offer real-world insights on building trust, defining roles, and improving communication between city staff and elected officials. From onboarding and strategic planning to managing expectations and promoting transparency, this conversation is packed with practical advice for fostering good governance at the local level.

Clerk Connections is produced by Association Briefings.

Join host Marie Balthrop as she sits down with Machiel Covey (Clarendon, Texas), Gretchen Mercer (Canyon, Texas), and Kimberly Sloat (Canadian, Texas) to explore the vital yet often unseen role of city secretaries in small Texas communities. They discuss their unique paths into the profession, the wide-ranging responsibilities they juggle—from elections and HR to budgeting and legal matters—and the challenges of working with limited resources. Through their experiences, they highlight the invaluable support of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association and the power of training, networking, and adaptability in navigating the complexities of small-city governance.

Clerk Connections to produced by Association Briefings.