'We're always ready to help,' says Downey's newest city clerk Maria Alicia Duarte

Maria Alicia Duarte was hired as Downey's city clerk last month. Photo by Alex Dominguez

DOWNEY -- Just settled into her new position, recently appointed City Clerk Maria Alicia Duarte brings over 19 years’ experience in city government to Downey.

Duarte, 42, already has some experience working in Downey as she served the city for two and a half years as the Deputy City Clerk before officially being made City Clerk by City Council late last month.

However, her career started in 1998 in the city of Lynwood.

“I started working in the city of Lynwood in December of 1998 in the City Manager’s office,” said Duarte. “I was there for 10 years, and then was transferred over to the City Clerk’s office in January of 2009. That’s how my career began in the city clerk field.”

Originally unsure of what duties are entailed within the position, Duarte attended training and educational opportunities that are offered through the City Clerks Association of California. Eventually, she earned her certified municipal clerk designation from the International Institute for Municipal Clerks.

Duarte spent eight years in the clerk’s office in Lynwood before coming to Downey in 2015.

As a City Clerk, Duarte administers democratic processes such as elections, access to city records, and all legislative actions ensuring transparency to the public.  Duarte also acts as a compliance officer for federal, state, and local statutes including the Political Reform Act, the Brown Act, and the Public Records Act.

The City Clerk also manages public inquiries and relationships and may arrange for ceremonial and official functions.

A resident of the city for five years, Duarte described Downey as a “stable community.”

“I feel that the community is very safe,” said Duarte. She lives with her husband and four children.

As she steps into her new position, Duarte says that she wants to provide the best community service for the community.

“I want to let the residents know that we are always available and ready to assist them,” said Duarte. “Whenever it comes to election information, public records requests, or any other service provided by the city…we’re always ready to help.”

Duarte will receive a monthly salary rate of $8,293, and a six-month severance payment in the event that council decides to exercise its right to remove her from the position.