Bennett, Menifee's First City Clerk, Retires This Week

From left: Rob Johnson, city manager; Kathy Bennett; mayor Scott Mann; City Council members Matt Liesemeyer, John Denver and Greg August. Menifee 24/7 photo: Kristen Spoon

Many people have been involved in the complicated process of city incorporation for Menifee over the last eight years. Few around City Hall would argue which one has played the most important and consistent role during those years, however.

Kathy Bennett, the only city clerk Menifee has ever had and the one who mayor Scott Mann said "has been as much a part of this city as anyone," is retiring from her position. Bennett's last day is Friday, but she was honored at last week's City Council meeting with a plaque, proclamation, flowers and even her own gavel.

In a figurative sense, Bennett has wielded her gavel to the good of Menifee ever since she took the job.

When Menifee was incorporated in 2008, the City Council held its early meetings on folding tables in the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center. There was no city clerk for the first few meetings. Mann, then one of the original council members, served as council secretary to take the minutes.

Mann said he was only too happy to give those administrative chores over to Bennett, who left a similar position with the City of Canyon Lake to become Menifee's first city clerk. In addition to calling the roll, recording votes and taking minutes at every City Council meeting, she handles many of the day-to-day operations at City Hall. She ensures ordinances are properly enacted and recorded. She oversees candidate applications and city elections. She swears in city officers. And so much more.

"Kathy taught us how to behave," Mann said during last week's council meeting. "Menifee is only eight years old, but it's been through some trying times. She showed us all that it's about them (the residents), not us. Kathy, you epitomize the term 'public servant.' "

Bennett will be replaced by former Murrieta city clerk Sarah Manwaring (right), who referred to Bennett as "my longtime mentor and friend." Struggling to keep her emotions in check during the tribute to her at the council meeting, Bennett thanked her colleagues and spoke of her determination to remain positive and consistent, no matter the circumstances. She often took the brunt of complaints lodged at City Hall, but she never wavered in her courtesy and professionalism.

"Those who would be naysayers will be, and always will be," she said. "I take their input and we move on. Our job is to work with the residents and help Menifee keep moving forward.

"Seven and a half years ago, I hoped for a chance to work for this new city. I never dreamed it would be life-changing. It's the only job where I can go home at night and always feel I made a difference."

In addition to the recognition given her by city officials, Bennett was given a plaque by Pastor Chris Suitt of New Hope Community Church. Suitt explained that when Bennett was city clerk of Canyon Lake, she helped the church through the permitting process and organizational stages of a program for at-risk youth that has served the community for nearly 10 years.

"Youth are being rescued here and in Canyon Lake because of this woman," Suitt said.