Aaron Borey
ESI: How have the duties for this position changed recently?
Borey: Eureka Springs decided to divide the full-time City Clerk position into two separate part-time positions to ensure responsibilities are completely defined and completed. From my perspective, this job is quite defined. This position is the “custody of records” for all municipal laws and ordinances, as well as holding the responsibility for maintaining a regular and accurate journal of all city council proceedings. Additionally, there is a requirement to submit financial reports and statements for Eureka Springs to the public, on a regular basis. Occasionally, there could be additional duties required by city ordinances or state laws.
ESI: Why are you running for city clerk?
Borey: I did not make this decision lightly. I chose to have conversations with current and past city employees, as well as many community members. I wanted to not only understand what the requirements would be, but if I could dedicate the time and commitment required to fulfill this role. That decision was a resounding yes! Since moving to Eureka Springs more than four years ago, I made the decision to get involved with this amazing community by volunteering as a commissioner for Parks and Recreation. During that time, we have completed some amazing projects which I am so proud to have been involved in. Therefore, I made the decision to expand that contribution by running for the City Clerk position.
ESI: What are your qualifications?
Borey: This position requires commitment, dedication to our community, and accuracy. During my time as a commissioner for Parks & Recreation, I have never missed a single meeting or workshop. I’ve held the role of secretary for almost two years, completing tasks timely with both accuracy and professionalism. This experience mirrors many of the responsibilities of the city clerk role. As a business owner for the past three years in downtown Eureka Springs, I can contribute real life experience and commitment to this position. Coupled with my degree in business management, I feel like I can make a resounding impact, helping to propel our city forward. Qualifications are relevant and important… but only if the dedication and commitment are there also. And as previously mentioned, this decision was not taken lightly. When I commit to something, I commit fully. And that simple fact, hopefully, validates my qualifications and ability to fulfill this role.
ESI: What is your philosophy about customer service?
Borey: With 30 years of experience in sales management and customer service, I’ve been through endless seminars, training programs, personality tests, TED talks, quizzes, and one-on-one discussions regarding customer service. This is my take-away and philosophy. First and foremost, listen to the customer! Never formulate your rebuttal or response while they are speaking. No matter what that person is saying, it is important.
You need to give your full attention and listen. There may be a direct need. Or a need “behind the need.” But you will never know what that is unless you just give full attention and listen. At that point, it comes down to a few key traits: honesty, respect and kindness. Acknowledge the topic at hand. From there, you should be able to come to an understanding to solve the problem.
Finally, it’s about follow-up. Never ignore or leave someone hanging. Whether you can provide the service or not, simple communication and respect is of the utmost importance. Service is about respect, response, honesty and follow-through. Never dismiss… always help to the best of your ability. If you can’t solve the problem at hand, facilitate the solution with people or resources who can get to the needed solution.
Michael Carey
ESI: How have the duties for this position changed recently?
Carey: As most of you know, the duties of the city clerk have been stripped to be pretty minimal. The most important to note, I believe, is that the position no longer handles anything financial, and it has been assured to us that if I’m elected city clerk, that would not be a conflict of interest if my husband, Steve Holifield, a candidate for mayor, wins his race.
ESI: Why are you running for city clerk?
Carey: I believe myself to be more than capable to accomplish any and all of the duties needed to be done, including maintaining the city council minutes, preparing for the meeting agendas and maintaining public records. I can handle all these duties in a timely and efficient manner. I think a good city clerk will need to be coming into the position with energy and enthusiasm and excellent organization skills, which I have in spades.
ESI: What are your qualifications?
Carey: I have a bachelor’s degree and more than a decade of clerical and accounting experience. I am currently a historical tour guide and the concierge for the Basin Park Hotel. The Basin Hotel almost acts as a second welcome center for the town.
The most important duties of a city clerk are record keeping and communicating with the public. These are some of my strengths.
ESI: What is your philosophy about customer service?
Carey: If you vote for me, I can assure you I will work hard for Eureka Springs. This has been my home for 12 years now, and hopefully this is the start of a long line of me being involved with the local politics and improving this already wonderful city.