SOMERS POINT — Lucy Samuelson wrapped up a long career of serving the public May 31 as she worked her final day as registrar and city clerk.
While she plans to stay involved with the New Jersey Municipal Clerks Association, she has immediate plans for a trip to Hawaii.
“I will stay busy and do a couple of conferences as a speaker at the Camden County Municipal Clerks Association and state Municipal Clerks Association,” she said. “But I plan to spend time with family and travel.”
Samuelson said her 6-year-old grandson who has cystic fibrosis recently got approved by the Make A Wish Foundation for a trip to Hawaii to see whales.
“His favorite is the blue whale,” she said.
As city clerk, the Egg Harbor City resident was secretary to the governing body, secretary to the corporation, custodian of records, elections official, qualified purchasing agent and notary public.
Samuelson started working for Somers Point in 2011 as deputy clerk under Carol Degrassi and was appointed clerk in 2016.
“It was a privilege to work under her,” she said. “Forty years in a city clerk’s office, you don’t find that very often.”
Prior to her time in Somers Point, Samuelson was city clerk in Port Republic for 17 years.
She said she decided to take the position in Somers Point to “use my skills and license a little more.”
“I wanted to do more with liquor license and raffles, learn more of my craft here,” she said.
Samuelson was certified as a registered municipal clerk in 1996, allowing her to work in any municipality in the state.
Prior to that, she had worked for the federal government as a confidential secretary to a division manager in the 1980s, then worked for Atlantic County as confidential aide to the county clerk.
She said she enjoys working with the community.
“When you help someone, sometimes you can see that. It makes you feel good that you can help someone,” Samuelson said. “In bigger government, you don’t get to work face to face with people.”
In addition to her full-time career, she taught municipal clerk classes as an adjunct professor for Rutgers University for 14 years.
Samuelson grew up in Mays Landing, where she went to Oakcrest High School. She and her husband, Tony, will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in November. They have three daughters, ages 39, 37 and 32.
Samuelson said she has enjoyed her time in the city by the bay.
“I really do believe Somers Point is a great place to live, work and play,” she said. “There are so many volunteers here, people really do contribute to the town. How nice is it that you can ride your bike everywhere? It’s walkable, has great restaurants, beaches and parks.”
City Council presented Samuelson with a proclamation during its meeting May 30, noting she was “instrumental in updating technology and modernizing the clerk’s office.”
“Your deep base of knowledge, work ethic and intellect were an excellent resource for the public and officials,” it stated.
Councilman Sean McGuigan said he has enjoyed sitting next to Samuelson at meetings for years.
“Your dedication to this city and the love that you have shown for this city is admirable,” he said. “I can’t articulate how much you mean to me as a councilman. I can’t thank you enough. From my family to your family, we really appreciate you.”
Councilman Howard Dill said McGuigan took all of the good things to say.
“She has always been there for us, any time we need her, 24 hours a day, seven days a week she made herself available,” he added. “That dedication to the city will be missed.”
Council President Janice Johnston said she could not have done her job as well without the clerk’s advice.
“For the last six years, I have been depending on you for so many things that you don’t know when you come in. You will definitely be missed,” she said.
Mayor Dennis Tapp said her dedication goes far beyond the duties of the position.
“Even though you didn’t live here, you made Somers Point your home,” he said.
“I want to wish Lucy the best in your future endeavors,” Councilman Mike Owen added.
“You’ve always been there to provide us the information we need to do our job,” Councilman Joe McCarrie said.
“I hope you have a very wonderful and long retirement,” Councilman Rick DePamphilis added.
Taking over her position is Shelby Heath, who started working in the city’s Public Works Department through work program at Egg Harbor Township High School and has been there ever since.
The 32-year-old is married and has a 16-month-old son.
Heath started in clerk’s office in 2012 as an assistant and was appointed deputy clerk in 2016 when Degrassi retired.
Her first day in the new position was June 3.
She said “serving the public and being able to help people” are her favorite parts of the job.
Working with Samuelson “has been a blessing, she’s been the best mentor that I could have asked for. She is one of the most highly respected clerks in the state and has been a privilege to work under.”
– STORY and PHOTOS by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff