During the executive session portion of the Ellenville village board's July 9 meeting, the mayor and trustees voted to fill the anticipated vacancy of village clerk.

Several months ago Village Clerk Ann Bowler announced that she would be stepping down by the end of the year, leaving the position she has held for nearly 23 years. Though she has declined to give a last day, she was happy to discuss her replacement, Noreen Dechon.

"It was the best choice they could have made," says Bowler, who admits to being a close friend of Dechon's.

Bowler, who has worked under six mayors, and worked with six village managers and five police chiefs, explained that the thing she will miss the most about her job is the chance to make new acquaintances and the ability to stay in touch with a wide range of people.

Speaking about the responsibilities of the village clerk position, Bowler explained that, in addition to the administrative duties the job's most challenging (and rewarding) requirement is to develop relationships with the people you work with and the public you serve.

With regard to Dechon, Bowler explained, "They [the village board] were blessed to have found someone who can do all of that and walk right into the job."

Dechon comes to the village clerk position from Ellenville High School where she worked as a secretary for ten years. Prior to that, she was the secretary for the district's Board of Education.

From 1985 to 1995, Dechon served the village as deputy clerk under Bowler who she describes as, "My friend and mentor for over twenty years."

In addition to her previous experiences as deputy clerk, Dechon served as the secretary for the village's planning and zoning boards and acted as a replacement for Bowler at village board meetings on numerous occasions.

Anticipating her future position, Dechon says, "[I am] looking forward to my new adventure and serving my community in a different capacity. The only drawback is that Ann won't be there."

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