Brodie On The Job For Three Decades

RITA GREENE MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS Paula Brodie, Goodman City Clerk.
RITA GREENE MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS Paula Brodie, Goodman City Clerk.

Rita Greene

McDonald County Press [email protected]

Paula Brodie was born and raised in Chicago then moved to Goodman to take care of her grandmother. Brodie said she liked some things Chicago offered, but she has no regrets settling in Goodman because she loves McDonald County.

"One of the things I really like about McDonald County," Brodie said, "is that people are not afraid to talk about God, family and America. People here are how people should be."

In April 1983, Brodie became City and Municipal Court Clerk of Goodman. Three decades later, she's still on the job.

Brodie clearly loves her profession and it is obvious she gives 100 percent. No two days are the same on the job, Brodie said. "I love the interaction with the people. I've known a lot of people in Goodman for years."

The City and Municipal Court Clerk's job is multi-faceted and requires working with a diversity of people and knowledge and abilities in a variety of areas.

"I try to stay updated as much as I can regarding federal laws, I do the human resource duties; time-keeping for the city staff, work with the board to stay within budget restraints, prep work for the city auditor, take care of election information and publicity, maintain the city's web page, get tax information out to the public, and keep abreast of changes to computer technology necessary to do my job," Brodie said.

Brodie said she enjoys working with the Goodman City Council members and has good communication with them. "I try my best to support them in many areas, and provide them with the numerous resources they need and keep them updated regarding city codes, laws, and tax information."

"I appreciate the council encouraging me to attend courses and classes relating to my job and for all the support they have given me," Brodie said.

"One of the biggest changes I've experienced as City and Municipal Court Clerk is how the position has evolved over the years to become an active part of the city council," Brodie said.

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When asked what some of the ingredients are to be a success in her job, Brodie answered, "to have the knowledge it takes, understanding and communication abilities and be willing to compromise -- sometimes you have to bite your tongue and go on."

When asked about any unusual events happening over the years since Brodie has been City and Municipal Court Clerk, she said "one time, the city of Goodman had to have water delivered because we were having trouble getting our water to pass the Department of Natural Resources testing requirements." Then Brodie laughed and said, "And there was the time, some privately owned buffalo got loose and were roaming all over Goodman."

Among Brodie's many achievements as City and Municipal Court Clerk are: She is a Missouri registered city clerk, receiving this designation from Missouri State University; she is Certified Court Administrator, received through the Missouri Association of Court Administration; she is on the Board of Directors of the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council; past president of the Southwest Division of City Clerks; and the State Director for the region of Southwest Division, attending all the state's training.

Goodman Mayor Greg Richmond has known Brodie for many years, working with her for the past 11 years, first on the council, then as mayor.

"I believe she is about the best city clerk any mayor could ask for," Richmond said. "The city of Goodman is lucky to have a clerk with the knowledge and experience that Paula has. She truly cares about this city and what happens and our people who live here. She makes my job so much easier because she always has the city's best interest at heart. I suppose I could do my job without her -- but hope I don't have to. Bottom line is, I know in every situation that Paula will do the right thing and that is a good feeling."

Brodie has many interests. She does gardening and cans what she grows. She also enjoys making homemade soup, going biking and she loves to travel.

Brodie's husband, David, is city supervisor of Goodman. Brodie's son, Jeff Chase, lives in Neosho and works at the Veterans Administration Center there. And there is a grandson, Keifer, who lives in Neosho.

"I also have lots of cousins living in McDonald County," Brodie said, "my family (the Neffs) in McDonald County goes back about four generations," Brodie said, "as does my husband's."

The Brodies attend Union Chapel Church east of Anderson.

Community on 08/27/2015