By John Howell

Wild made ‘good decisions’ during 25 year tenure, says mayor

Warwick Beacon ·

Mayor Scott Avedisian called retiring city clerk Judy Wild “a chicken” Thursday afternoon.

Of course, it was in jest, and he made that clear by presenting her with a chicken hat. She wouldn’t put it on despite the urgings of her fellow employees who gathered in the basement conference room of City Hall for a surprise party in recognition of Wild’s retirement.

Dottie McCarthy of the Board of Canvassers planned the party. She said it had to be kept secret because if Judy had learned of the plans, she would have found a reason not to be there. Wild shies from being in the spotlight, a trait Avedisian quickly recognized.

A Warwick resident, Wild began working for the city in 1992 for former Mayor Charles Donovan. She started off as the Municipal Court clerk, a detailed job that required managing the court docket, attending court and working with the judges and the public. Wild stayed on with Mayor Lincoln Chafee, although she had been appointed by a Democratic administration and Chafee was a Republican. She served as the archives clerk and was instrumental in organizing the vault for better public access and research and working with title examiners. She also played a role in securing grants for the restoration of historic records within the archives.

With the retirement of Marie Ahlert, Avedisian picked Wild for the job of city clerk.

Speaking about his choice, Avedisian said Wild was timid about expressing her views, and he questioned how she would handle standing up for and defending his budget when it came to that time of the year. He needn’t have worried.

“You came out of your shell, you did a great job…you have made 25 years of good decisions,” he said at Thursday’s party.

Wild thanked those gathered and gave party organizer McCarthy a hug.

Wild won’t be sitting idle. She started working on probate court matters for attorney John Revens on Monday.

Avedisian has selected deputy clerk Lyn Pagliarini to succeed Wild. Pagliarini’s appointment will require City Council consent.