I am not going to lie, Pekin. This was not my original planned article. I had one ready to go, but Ginny reached out to me with the idea to start introducing and recognizing staff. I thought this was a great idea, but who should I start with?  It really was not that hard; this individual immediately came to mind. She has been a major part of Pekin since 1991 and has had interaction with just about every elected official and staff member since then. She is what keeps this place together, and has institutional knowledge than honestly none of us have. I rely on her daily, and If I have a question on something, she is the first place I go to ask. The Fire Chief on many occasions has stated in swearing-in ceremonies that this individual has sworn in every firefighter here today. This is true. In my conversation with her for this article she said the same is true for the police department as well. This LEGEND is none other than our own City Clerk Sue McMillan.

Sue has worked for the City of Pekin since April of 1991. Sue initially was hired to be the Secretary for Mayor Don Williams, but under Mayor Tebben, he recognized her ability and appointed her as our City Clerk. Sue has held this office since approximately 1994. Sue has seen many come and go. She has seen the good and the bad. She has been a part of much change this City has seen over the years.

I talked to Sue a bit about my intentions of writing this article. She is humble and did not think I should write about her. I like this in her as now that I have been here for nine years, and as I think back, she always puts others first. Even when she needs help herself. Sue has had her own personal battles, yet she always somehow focused on others. I can’t think of a time she has not had a smile on her face, and in the moments I myself am frantic she finds a way to make me laugh. Her way of letting me know there are bigger issues out there and don’t let the small things get to me. 

I asked Sue what has kept her here. She has a place in warm weather, but she still comes to work every day in Pekin. She shows up in the worst of weather and honestly, she is most likely the last to leave on many occasions. There are nights I literally am telling her it is time to go so I can walk her out. She is simply just dedicated. Filing documents with the County. Making sure staff is getting things done in a timely manner to meet deadlines. Things such as the tax levy, or budget. She keeps us on the clock. Without her we would more than likely miss these deadlines. So, Sue answered this question simply saying it was the constant change. Change in elected officials, change in staff, change in leadership. She states that this was what kept her going and keeps her involved with Pekin. She can see Pekin going in the right direction and wants to see us cross the finish line. This is what keeps her dedicated. She wants to be a part of that.

We talked further and as we talked, Sue asked why I chose her and I said it was her institutional knowledge. She has seen so many things, so I asked her what is the funniest thing she has seen at City Hall. If one does not know Sue, I immediately knew she had something that came to mind. She had a coy look and smile on her face. Many know that look. She was quiet for a minute, and honestly too quiet. She laughed and said, “I can’t say—I will get someone in trouble.”  I had to laugh because she probably would and to whomever it pertained to her lips were sealed, so the secret is safe.

I then asked Sue what the best thing she has seen happen in City Hall. One could again see the wheels turning. This time she did not laugh and was not trying to be funny. She looked at me and said honestly the best thing that I have seen happen at City Hall is something recent. She said that it is the teamwork that is going on. Sue said that many managers, in all departments, have come and gone. Sue said what is different is that there is teamwork happening now and she likes that. People, including her, feel they have a say on matters and it shows as things are getting done. She likes how on the big topics that it is not one individual deciding, but rather a team that is problem-solving. This honestly made me feel good she felt this way.

So, Pekin if you do not know your City Clerk her name is Sue McMillan. We rely on her for many, many things, and if you have a question about the past or present, Sue will tell you where you can find that information. Pekin is lucky to have Sue, and I as City Manager am fortunate to have her institutional knowledge to help guide me through the processes.