Longtime Lakewood Clerk Alice Bush Wins "Clerk of the Year Award"

Longtime Lakewood City Clerk Alice Bush is one of the best at her craft in the state.

At least that's what her colleagues thought, which is why they awarded her the prestigious "Clerk of the Year Award" last week at the Washington Municipal Clerks Association's annual conference in Tacoma.

Bush was nominated by Lakewood City Manager Heidi Ann Wachter, Tacoma City Clerk Doris Sorum and Fircrest City Manager Rick Rosenbladt. In their nominations, they highlighted Mrs. Bush’s significant contributions to the City of Lakewood, where she has worked since 1996, and at the City of Tacoma from 1990 to 1996. According to the group:

Mrs. Bush was recognized for her contributions to pre-incorporation committees which were responsible for setting up the governance structure for the City of Lakewood.  Since incorporation she has served as City Clerk, Director of General Services, Director of Human Services and has been liaison for “Lakewood’s Promise,” an organization that has identified the City of Lakewood as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People.

Mrs. Bush has been a member of WMCA for approximately 22 years.  Over the years she has been known as a strong advocate in professional education.  She served as President of the association in 2008-2009; and also as President Elect, Vice President and Past President, along with serving on numerous committees, including Audit, Awards, Bylaws, Conference Planning, Education, Election, Historical and Legislative.

The International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) also has benefitted by Mrs. Bush sitting on several committees.  She organized the first meeting with the IIMC President and Region IX Presidents of Oregon, California, Alaska, Washington, and the British Columbia’s Executive Director of Local Governments to discuss educational opportunity and IIMC certification topics in Canada.

She was President of the Pierce County Clerks and Finance Officers Association and currently serves as the Education Coordinator.  She was a founding member of the Washington Public Records Officers (WaPRO), an organization sorely needed as governmental entities were breaking under the weight of abuse of the Public Records Act.  Currently Mrs. Bush is serving on the Patient Family Advisory Council of St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood.