David Rushford — Worcester City Clerk Surprises Everyone and Submits Retirement
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Rushford in his letter requested Susan Ledoux, the Assistant City Clerk, replace him at the City Clerk.
Rushford has been all knowing and the keeper of most of the City’s public documents. In addition, he is the infrastructure to the City Council for nearly 20 years.
At the meeting Mayor Joe Petty said he looked forward to work with Rushford until his retirement in early May, but Rushford’s letter intimated that his departure might be much more immediate.
Leader in Gay Marriage
Rushford is recognized as a leader in giving access for gay and lesbian couples wed. In 2004, David Bernstein wrote in the now-defunct Boston Phoenix, "The city’s progressive clerk, David Rushford, had publicly announced that he would allow non-state residents to wed, defying Governor Romney’s orders — an unusual move for most central Massachusetts politicians. Worcester would also be hosting the wedding of one of the seven plaintiff couples in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, the lawsuit that brought same-sex marriage to the state. There would be cake and doughnuts and sparkling cider. Rushford predicted that as many as 250 couples would get their licenses Monday.
It turned out to be a much smaller, more casual affair. Only about 30 couples were in line when City Hall’s doors opened just before 8:30 a.m., and by 9:30 the six clerks were taking smoking breaks. By 10:30, even the one sign-holding anti-gay-marriage protester had left. In all, 72 couples applied in Worcester for same-sex marriage licenses on the first day they were issued. Civilization, it seemed, had not come to an end."
Not Without Controversy
In 2009, Councilwoman Konnie Lukes raised questions about how much Rushford made while doing private marriages outside of his official role as City Clerk. According to Lukes at the time, Rushford did more than 900 weddings and earned approximately $100 per event. This fee is above his salary. At the time, Rushford was one of Worcester’s highest paid employees - earning more than $130,000.
Official Role of the City Clerk
The City Clerk is elected by the City Council and is the keeper of the City records entrusted to his care. The Clerk, when requested, attests to the validity of City records. These include records of birth, marriage, death, residency, ordinances, City Council actions, voter and business registration and many others.
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- David Rushford — Worcester City Clerk Surprises Everyone and Submits Retirement
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