City clerk takes a new job in the suburbs

City Clerk August Gitschlag

 

By Charles Sercombe
These are the last few weeks for City Clerk August Gitschlag.
He’s been hired by the City of Clawson to be its new full-time city clerk.
Gitschlag is well-known in town and, for many residents, has been the face of the city – at least when they come to city hall.
“There is not a single City Clerk in the State of Michigan who has the experiences that I have had here, and I am a better public servant as a result,” he said in his resignation letter, submitted to City Manager Kathy Angerer.
“I have worked alongside some of the most dedicated public employees, police officers, firefighters, and department heads in the business, and I am forever grateful for their support and guidance.”
Gitschlag has been clerk for seven years, and during those years there have been a number of stormy council meetings, with some members yelling at each other, and others walking out of meetings.
In other words, normal council meetings for Hamtramck.
He leaves Hamtramck after May 21. His new job offers a considerable salary boost – something that Hamtramck could not match because of the ongoing financial crisis.
Clawson also operates on a four-day work week, which is another perk for Gitschlag.
And for those curious, yes, Gitschlag will continue to bartend and host at Whiskey in the Jar on most Friday evenings.
Here is what he had to say in his resignation letter to the city manager:
“It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation from the City of Hamtramck. Per the terms of my contract, my last day will be May 21, 2021.

“Please accept my deepest gratitude for all that you and our colleagues have done for me during my tenure here. I consider you a mentor on both a professional and personal level, and I am blessed to have had a front row seat to see the positive changes that have come to Hamtramck as a direct result of your leadership.
“Serving as the Hamtramck City Clerk has been the most challenging and rewarding seven years of my life. It has introduced me to hundreds of people, fostered countless friendships, and helped me grow not only professionally but personally, and I owe that mostly to you, Kathy.
“There is not a single City Clerk in the State of Michigan who has the experiences that I have had here, and I am a better public servant as a result. I have worked alongside some of the most dedicated public employees, police officers, firefighters, and department heads in the business, and I am forever grateful for their support and guidance.
“I would like to acknowledge the friendship and support of Mayor Karen Majewski, and all the City Council members past and present that I have had the honor of serving. I love and adore the City of Hamtramck, and I cannot wait to see the great things you have in store for the future.
“Finally, I want to reassure you that Hamtramck will remain a large part of my life. I shall remain on the Board of Directors of the Detroit Friendship House. I will loyally attend DCFC games, hold the annual Magnum PI and Tracksuit charity events, pay my dues to PLAV Post 6, and win Fowling tournaments.
“And of course, I will always look forward to being pelted with water balloons during the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival Canoe Races while dressed as a pirate.”
City Manager Kathy Angerer said the position is posted on the city’s website for those interested in applying.
April 30, 2021

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