Long-serving Union County clerk reflects on decades of service

Lynn West, clerk to the Union County Board of Commissioners, reflected on her decades-long career in county government, saying she would describe her work in one word: "gratifying." The remarks appeared in a short tribute during Women's History Month.

The presenter who introduced West outlined the clerk's duties, saying West "manages official records of board actions and ensures compliance with the state's open meetings law" and, as a sworn official, often administers the oath of office to county commissioners. The presenter also noted that Union County has had only two clerks to the board in 52 years and that West started with the county in 1990.

West told listeners that accuracy in the clerk's minutes matters because they can be used in court proceedings. "So it's very important that those minutes are accurate because they can be used in court proceedings," she said, adding that the role requires neutrality. "I have to be neutral and treat everyone the same," West said, and that she respects each commissioner because they are elected by residents.

The presenter highlighted West's institutional knowledge: she has worked with more than 30 elected county commissioners and about a dozen county managers. The profile framed that experience as part of what makes West the longest-serving employee in Union County government history; the presenter said West is "now going on her 30 sixth year" with the organization and has no immediate plans to retire.

West spoke about the demands on elected officials and why she values their service, noting the personal time commitments required of commissioners. "Because I work with them every day I understand how much time it takes," she said. She closed the segment by calling it a privilege to serve the commissioners and county residents and expressing the hope that her work has made a difference.

The tribute emphasized West's behind-the-scenes role in maintaining public records and the procedures that allow the board to operate transparently. There were no votes, motions, or policy actions in the segment; it was presented as a recognition of long service and as part of Women's History Month programming.