As we enter a busy season for elections, the Traverse City Young Professionals (TCYP) are hosting a Morning Meetup with Benjamin Marentette and Sarah Lutz from the Traverse City Clerk’s Office. Held October 9 at 8 a.m. ET, this engaging Morning Meetup will provide insights on what city clerks do daily and how they help support local advocacy efforts, elections and more.
Ahead of the Morning Meetup, we sat down with Marentette to discuss his background and career, how young professionals (YPs) can get involved with advocacy/government on a local level and how YPs can assist with the upcoming elections.
Tell us about your background and how you got involved with the City Clerk’s Office of Traverse City.
Marentette: Growing up, I initially attended college and envisioned myself working in the public sector in a large city. However, I took a job at Grand Traverse County and then a job with the city shortly after. My career grew from there, and I realized that public service was my calling. I have served as city clerk for 12 years and enjoy the variety and breadth of responsibilities and opportunities to help others. The team in my office touches all aspects of city government, and it’s an honor to work for this amazing community.
Professionally, I have a master’s degree with a concentration in finance and leadership, have earned the highest-level professional designation for city clerks internationally and have advised on national, state and public policy issues surrounding elections and other areas including academic policy. Personally, I’m married to the love of my life Matt. We live in town and enjoy cycling, sailing, entertaining, cooking, running, skiing and reading—I like to be active!
Tell us about your current role as city clerk and your responsibilities.
Marentette: As city clerk, I serve in a capacity that essentially is that of chief operating officer, with oversight responsibilities spanning risk management, governance, elections, licensing, communications, financial disbursement oversight and more. Leading a team, along with Deputy City Clerk Sarah Lutz, of people who have a true heart for public service is humbling and very rewarding.
What advice would you give to a YP looking to get involved in local advocacy/government efforts?
Marentette: Find something you find interesting, and then find the people who are doing it and ask them how you can tap into it. Also, don’t overload yourself—balance is important, and you should try to focus more on quality than quantity. I’m always happy to connect, so reach out if you think I can help!
How can YPs get involved with the upcoming elections?
Marentette: Elections in Michigan are run by local city and township clerks. Many of these cities and townships need folks to work on election day at the polls, as well as on absentee ballots and early voting tasks leading up to the elections. Not only is this a great way to get involved, but you also get paid!
What do you hope YPs take away from your conversation at the upcoming Morning Meetup in October?
Marentette: There are many ways to help power your local community. One of the fantastic, and sometimes overlooked, ways is to step up and volunteer to run or seek appointment to a local board or committee. We will share some of those opportunities in hopes that YPs will reach out to discuss their passion and let us be a matchmaker for YPs and their goals!
Interested in learning more? Join us at TCYP’s October Morning Meetup held on October 9 at 8 a.m. ET at Traverse Connect in Downtown Traverse City.
