Rosemary Centi plans to stay clerk, give up marriage officer job
Guilderland Town Clerk Rosemary Centi plans to keep her job, but says she won’t be officiating any marriages.
Centi this week told Supervisor Kenneth Runion she will be stepping down as the town’s marriage officer, but will continue to fulfill her duties as town clerk and issue marriage licenses. She just won’t officiate over any ceremonies at Town Hall, a few of which tend to occur every month.
She cited her Catholic faith as the reason. Starting July 24, same-sex couples will be able to marry in New York State.
Centi said the position of marriage officer is separate from that of the town clerk issuing the marriage license. Despite some reports to the contrary, she said she would continue to issue licenses but would not be involved in any ceremonies.
It has nothing to do with the office of town clerk, she said. `It’s a misconception.`
Centi, who has been town clerk since 2000, said the town could easily appoint another marriage officer should it choose to do so.
Runion could not immediately be reached.“
