Douglas County clerk-treasurer announces resignation

Barbara Griffin, Douglas County's clerk-treasurer for 21 years, announced her resignation to a surprised audience at the county commission meeting, saying it was "one of the most difficult and painful decisions I have had to make during my tenure."

Griffin said she was forced to resign by Sept. 1 in order to secure state-offered medical coverage under new rules passed by the 2007 Nevada Legislature.

"This never would have been my choice to leave at this time unless the circumstances were extreme," Griffin said.

She said her resignation would be effective Aug. 31 at 3 p.m. when the Lake Tahoe office closes for the issuance of marriage licenses.

"We will then need to swear in the new clerk-treasurer and convert all of the equipment and programs before we can begin operation on Monday, Sept. 1," she said.

Crying as she read a prepared statement Thursday, Griffin apologized to voters who have consistently made her the county's most popular elected official for not seeing her term through to 2010.

"My word has always been solid. It is heart-breaking that I have been put in this position. The voters have entrusted me with their confidence. I respect and honor their faith in me. I cannot begin to describe the hollowness inside of me for letting them down," she said.

She recommended the board appoint her assistant, Lawrence Weckerle, with whom she has worked for 15 years.

"We have worked very closely together and been preparing for this day for several years," she said.

"The upcoming election requirements make the timing of an appointment to fill my vacancy very critical," Griffin said. "My signature is required on many documents and equipment, for example file stamp machines, payroll, marriage license, court documents, etc."

The board is to consider the resignation and appointment Aug. 7.

Griffin received a standing ovation at the conclusion of her remarks.

District Attorney Mark Jackson said the board has the authority to appoint her replacement until the next election in 2010.

"Not only is this a critical position, it's mandated and imperative you appoint a successor as soon as possible. We not only have the election but other attendant duties. We can't wait until she leaves to appoint her successor," Jackson said.

"This is a sad day for Douglas County," Jackson said. "Barbara has been one of the county's truest assets. Her institutional knowledge is unmatched. I look up to her. She is one of my heroes."