Ryle to seek fifth term

Adam Huening

March 12, 2007 01:44 pm

— In City Hall, there is a desk drawer with an inconspicuous file folder stuffed with awards, certificates and accolades earned by Clerk/Treasurer June Ryle throughout her career. While there is an open space on the wall next to her desk, she prefers to keep them out of sight.
“I think it’s neat when I see them (hanging up) for someone else, but I’m not one to put stuff out there. I just feel funny about it,” Ryle said sheepishly, shoving the papers back into the folder and stashing them in the drawer.
This humble demeanor extends further than her desk drawer. She didn’t even want to make a big deal about announcing her intention to seek a fifth term as Clerk/Treasurer in the May primary.
A Democrat, Ryle said she enjoys the work she does at City Hall and feels no reason to stop now. However, she does not separate herself from those in the private sector. She is quick to point out she is a taxpayer and would rather talk about the specifics of the job than her experience in the office. She noted it is important for the voters to understand the part the Clerk’s Office plays in the city. The Clerk/Treasurer is responsible for; keeping the official records of various city meetings, such as City Council and Board of Works; keeping track of the finances and being responsible for investments, accounts payable, payroll and taxes; keeping accurate personnel and account records for all city employees; fulfilling legal requirements and notices, such as advertisements, bids, public meetings and annual reports; and preparing budgets as well as tracking budget allocations and investments to ensure the city has sufficient cash to meet its obligations.
The job may seem a daunting task to some, and Ryle does not disagree. For her, she said, it is about doing her part for Greensburg.
“Sometimes it’s hectic and crazy. It’s a tough job, but it’s a rewarding job,” she said. “It’s neat working with people and the whole big aspect of it. I feel like I’m doing something for the community, which makes it all worthwhile.”
On top of her regular duties, she said it is important to stay on top of the variety of changing laws and regulations. Her elected position seems to change constantly. Ryle said she has attended a number of classes and earned a variety of certificates to stay abreast of the job.
“Things change all the time. You have to keep up with it,” she said.
Ryle is a member of the Indiana League of Municipal Clerk and Clerk/Treasurers Association as well as the International League of Municipal Clerk and Clerk/Treasurers Association. She has served in several offices in the association and has continued her involvement in the mentor program. She has continued her education and training, earning an Indiana Accredited Municipal Clerk certificate, among others, and constantly attends conferences and courses developed by the Department of Local Government and Finance, the State Board of Accounts and the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns.
She also worked closely with a number of officials, such as Sen. Bob Jackman (R-Milroy), Rep. Cleo Duncan (R-Greensburg), Greensburg Fire Chief Scott Chasteen and Greensburg Police Chief Bill Meyerrose, on the passage of a bill to help cities and towns in regards to getting grant money reimbursements.
All of her experience may give her more knowledge about the position, she said, but really she can only vow to do the best she can. Looking ahead, she said she is excited about the prospects on the horizons and hoped her training would help guide the city’s finances through it.
“It’s getting busier and busier all the time. Over the next four years, it’s going to get even more busy with the annexations and Honda coming in. There’s a lot coming down the pike and a lot more challenges than we’ve had before,” Ryle said.
With all of the growth in the city, Ryle said she will stay the same. She will work hard, remain honored that the people of Greensburg have voted her into the position and keep any accolades put away in a drawer.
“You have to stay humble in anything you’re doing,” she said. “The moment you think you’ve got it, it will crumble for sure.”
Ryle is a graduate of Greensburg Community High School and has been married to Howard “Budd” Ryle for 48 years. They have three children, three grandchildren and one great grandchild.

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