Town Clerk Merton Brown Receives Ethelyn Stuart Marthia Award for Exemplary Service

The Ethelyn Stuart Marthia Award was established to commemorate the legacy of Ethelyn Stuart Marthia, a former Town Clerk and Assistant Town Manager of Kennebunk, Maine, who left an indelible mark on municipal service. Known for her towering character, warming humor, and her role as a mentor to countless clerks, Ethelyn was a driving force in local governance. The award is given to municipal clerks who reflect her values and contributions.

Merton Brown was selected by the President of the Maine Town and City Clerks' Association (MTCCA) in recognition of his outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to the community. His willingness to mentor fellow clerks, provide guidance, and share his extensive expertise aligns with the spirit of the award.

"As I read the criteria for this award, there was no question in my mind who this year's recipient should be. Merton has set an incredibly high standard for all of us to strive to achieve, especially his enthusiasm for elections. And it is even more special because he was mentored by none other than Ethelyn Stuart Marthia herself." said Tracey O'Roak, MTCCA President. "Like Ethelyn, he has always been a patient and willing mentor to clerks all over the state. I can personally confirm the genuine kindness and generosity he offers, having been on the receiving end of advice many times,"

Merton Brown has served as the Town Clerk of Kennebunk since 2014, and served in various capacities in the Clerk's Office and on elections prior to that. During his tenure, he has consistently demonstrated the values honored by the award. Brown has also been an active leader within the MTCCA, contributing to workshops and serving on various committees.

"This award is very meaningful to me because Ethelyn Marthia and I were not only Town Clerks together, but we were very good friends. We traveled from Presque Isle to Kittery teaching other clerks how to run elections. She was the poster child for being the perfect Town Clerk and to be honored with an award created just for her is overwhelming and humbling," said Brown.

"I am so grateful to come to work each day in a community where I get to assist residents in the same manner I would hope to be treated. I appreciate the support from the Select Board, the Town Manager, the Town Clerks's office staff, all of the town departments and the amazing ballots clerks who are vital to the election process."

The award was officially presented at the MTCCA Annual Meeting, where Merton Brown was formally recognized for his achievements. Additionally, his name will be added to the permanent record of award recipients maintained by the MTCCA.