BY CINDY SCHROEDER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
INDEPENDENCE -- For the second time in less than two years, Independence officials are searching for a new city clerk, after Linda Baker resigned on Tuesday.
Ms. Baker, who was hired as the Independence city clerk May 5, 1997, said only that she was leaving her job for personal reasons. She handed her letter of resignation to City Administrator Gary Scott on Tuesday afternoon.
"I asked her if it had anything to do with the way we did business here in the office," Mr. Scott said. "She said, "No, it was purely personal.' "
Ms. Baker replaced Linda Carter, who resigned after 5 1/2 years as city clerk in December 1996.
An assistant city clerk who had filled in after Ms. Carter's resignation will handle the city clerk's duties until a new clerk can be named, Mr. Scott said.
Ms. Baker received $28,500 a year as city clerk. She was slated for a raise, retroactive to July 1, that would have boosted her pay to $29,900, when city council adopts a new budget.
Council members have said that they hope to adopt the 1998-99 budget on Tuesday.
Several city council members said they were surprised when they were handed Ms. Baker's letter of resignation at a special meeting Tuesday.
"It was quite a surprise," said Councilwoman Jaimie Henson. "Shock would be a better word.
"She's certainly been an asset to the city, and I hate to see her go," Ms. Henson said.
