It was surprising to learn this week that Harvard’s last elected town clerk will retire before the end of the year. Janet Vellante has served more than 22 years in her position, and as our article this week notes, her experience and professional qualifications are a rarity in Massachusetts. As one of approximately 20 master municipal clerks she will be extraordinarily hard to replace. The town will have to search far and wide for someone of her caliber, and Vellante’s early December departure doesn’t leave much time to find her successor.
With a state primary this week and a presidential, congressional, and state election along with several referendums coming in November, it seems premature to bid Vellante farewell. But it is not too early to thank her for her smooth handling of town business over the years and to say how much we will miss her.
