Assemblymember Audrey Pheffer never left any job on bad terms. There were never any problems or reasons to hate any position she’s held. She now leaves the New York State Assembly to fill the position of Queens County Clerk – and she leaves with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
“Each time I’ve started a new job, I’ve looked at it as a step into a different part of my career,” said Pheffer, who will step down from Assembly District 23 on May 12. “I am not giving up my involvement in the community – my dealing with people and involvement will just take on a different role.”
After 24 years in the assembly, Pheffer takes the position of Queens Country Clerk – a position held by Gloria D’Amico until her passing earlier this year. Pheffer said that D’Amico’s demeanor as County Clerk was part of her inspiration to take the position.
Pheffer was appointed as Queens County Clerk by A. Gail Prudenti, the presiding judge of the Appellate Division Second Judicial Department.
“In every position she held she was an aggressive and active democrat. She worked with a lot of men in Queens, but she always made sure the female was equal to the male,” she said. “I knew how much she liked the job [as County Clerk] and that is what makes me so exited.”
As Queens County Clerk, Pheffer’s duties will include Clerk of the Supreme Court of Queens County and Commissioner of Jurors. Pheffer and her staff will be responsible for creating and maintaining documents filed with the Court.
Pheffer said that one of her main goals will be to move the County Clerk’s office even further into the 21st century.
“This office was strictly paper generated. We are moving forward and soon I hope that everything can be e-filed,” she said. “I would also like to understand why people hate jury duty and try to change that. I think a jury of peers is one of the most wonderful parts of our country.”
Besides jury duty, special elections are also a part of this country. Pheffer said that while she is not sure when one will be held, she will lend her support to her chief of staff Jo Ann Shapiro, should she decide to run for the spot.
“If she gets the nomination, I will follow and support her,” she said. “I’ve worked with her for 24 years and in that time she’s dealt with the same constituents and understood all there is to know about legislation.”
To whoever does fill her position, Pheffer advises that they have to love people and care about the people who elect them. She believes that legislation is supposed to help people and make their quality of life better.
“Serving in the New York State Assembly has been a very rewarding experience and the friends I’ve made will be missed,” she said. “I look forward to the next challenge in my life and I’m very excited about it.”
