BY CINDY SCHROEDER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
ERLANGER -- The woman who helped put a human face on Erlanger for 25 years spent her last day of work doing what she does best: answering residents' questions, and serving as a friend and mentor to her co-workers. As Erlanger's city clerk and tax collector, Wilma LaBare was the city employee most residents dealt with when they had to pay their taxes, take out a building permit or pay a fine.
On Thursday, her last day on the job, it was no different.
When she wasn't fielding phone calls from well-wishers, or accepting congratulatory floral arrangements, Mrs. LaBare, 60, took her turn answering the phones, and reassuring co-workers they'd handle her job just fine.
"I think I'll miss the people the most, not only the people I work with, but also the residents who stop in," she said.
Mrs. LaBare said she plans to stay active with a number of groups, including the Kentucky Municipal Clerks Association and Erlanger United Methodist Church.
She plans to travel with her husband, Paul, 65, and is looking forward to a family cruise next winter with their three children and grandchildren.
"She's like everybody's mom," said Ginny Mavity, the deputy city clerk who will replace Mrs. LaBare in October. "She's always right there if you ever need her for anything."
Ms. Mavity, 40, who has served as Mrs. LaBare's deputy since 1991, said her mentor has been great when it came to showing her how to network for her new position.
"She made sure that I got involved with the Northern Kentucky Clerks Association," Ms. Mavity said. "But more than that, she's been a good friend. I'm going to miss her."
Erlanger has been a part of Mrs. LaBare's life since January 1957, when she moved there with her new husband, Paul, after he took a job as an Erlanger police officer.
Mrs. LaBare started working for the city in August 1973 as the part-time police court clerk. She served as Erlanger's police court clerk until 1978, when the Kentucky legislature switched to a state court system.
"It's home to me," she said.
"My husband was on the police department here for 10 years, and I feel like I know so many of the people here."
In an era of voice mail, it's not uncommon for residents to call the Erlanger city building and ask for Mrs. LaBare when they have a question, or want to conduct business with the city, her co-workers said.
"I think they just like that personal contact," Mrs. LaBare said.
