Meet your government
Every Monday, The Times takes a look at someone who keeps local government running smoothly.
JEFFERSON — Elizabeth McDonald wears several hats in the city of Jefferson.
She’s not only the city clerk, but she also has been sworn in recently as Jefferson’s elections superintendent.
As the city clerk, McDonald holds a variety of responsibilities, including administering employee benefits and attending all official city council meetings.
"There’s not a typical day (as the city clerk)," she said. "That’s what I like about my job — every day is different."
With her duties as the elections superintendent, McDonald’s plate is even fuller.
Among other things, she’s responsible for planning the elections, qualifying candidates for office and selecting poll workers. She is also responsible for ensuring that elections are fair and that candidates walk the straight and narrow.
"I manage the poll workers and I also receive and count the ballots," said McDonald, who is a Jefferson native. "I also ensure the completion of all financial disclosure and campaign contribution reports by city officials and those seeking office."
Although she now works in government, McDonald started out with a very different career path.
"I majored in secondary education English (at the University of Georgia) and taught at Jefferson Middle School," said McDonald.
When she’s not busy keeping an eye on the details of city government, McDonald likes to spend time with her daughter, a senior at Jefferson High School, and going to concerts, shopping and the movies.
Prior to coming on board to help city officials keep things in Jefferson running smoothly, McDonald had a long career in service.
"My mother, Helen Motes, had a career and retired from the Georgia Department of Labor and instilled in me a desire to serve the public," said McDonald. "So, I heeded that desire throughout my professional career. I worked in private, non-profit with the Georgia School Boards Association, national headquarters office of the American Cancer Society and Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce for a total of 14 years before joining the city of Jefferson."