EMERSON—A unanimous Borough Council and mayor proclaimed this month that Dec. 31 would be Jane Dietsche Day in the borough in honor of borough clerk Jane Dietsche, who retires that day after serving Emerson for 16 years.
Dietsche’s last official day in office was Wednesday, Nov. 29. At a combined holiday party, employee recognition mixer, and send-off to Dietsche, Mayor Danielle DiPaola on Dec. 5 found the words to wish her “rock” of 16 years well in a new chapter.
“I can say a lot of things about Jane—Ms. Dietsche—her dedication, loyalty, her care and concern for all residents of the borough but if I continue too much I will become too emotional and will not be able to read,” DiPaola said.
She said Dietsche had “a positive disposition” and a “can-do attitude,” adding “your sense of humor will be truly missed.”
The mayor said, “There really isn’t anything you cannot do, and I hope you know the profound impact you have had on the borough’s officials, residents and employees.”
She said the borough could not put a proclamation together before the party because Dietsche would have seen it, and it would not have been a surprise.
“Thank you, Jane. We wish you all the best in your retirement,” DiPaola said to applause from those gathered.
The borough says online that the municipal clerk holds “one of the most important and exacting positions in municipal government. So important, that New Jersey has made the position statutory.” The municipal clerk’s core duties alone encompass a diverse path of statutes serving all levels of government:
- Secretary to the municipal corporation;
- Secretary to the governing body;
- Chief administrative officer of all elections;
- Chief registrar of voters; and
- Administrative officer.
The clerk’s office also serves as the first point of contact for any resident who may have questions about municipal services, licenses, voter registration, mayor and council meetings, copies of records, and passport applications
“The Emerson Borough Clerk’s office is dedicated to serving the public in a friendly, helpful manner and welcomes and encourages the residents to visit the Municipal Building frequently. Copies of meeting schedules, agendas, and borough happenings are posted for residents’ convenience in the Municipal Building,” says the borough.
Dietsche began her career with the Borough of Emerson on Oct. 15, 2007 as deputy clerk; she took over the office on June 9, 2015, serving administrations and councilmembers of both parties, and of course Emersonians from all walks of life.
Invited to relay his remarks for this article, immediate past mayor Louis Lamatina told us, “Jane was a terrific borough clerk, very professional and efficient. She had all the answers, and was fair, ethical, and not influenced by the often tumultuous politics in the borough. Her services will truly be missed.”
She was in constant orbit of Pascack Press, tirelessly and cheerfully conducting borough business, including fielding our many requests for public information, and helping us get the facts straight.
Ms. Dietsche, we, too, thank your for your service and sunny company, and wish you a long, healthy, and happy retirement.
— Pascack Press