I have not had many reasons to or want to visit the county clerk's office until I received my handgun permit.

I have always dreaded trips to any government agency. Experience has seemed to show I am an interruption to their day.

Most agencies seem to have the mentality, “We'll serve you when we get to it, because we are the only game in town. You have to have us, we do not need you.”

This is not the case with the folks at the Cayuga County Clerk's Office. What a pleasant place to enter. I have made several trips there this year. I am always in disbelief.

The clerks are always pleasant, smiling and helpful.

I came in with my son to register some handguns, on Friday (Black Friday) and the office was full of people. Most were working on passport stuff. The clerks were literally buried in families.

The staff was working efficiently and did not seem the least bit stressed.

We stood back waiting for a break in the action knowing the clerks must have some stress and our stuff was not, to us, as important as the families.

The head clerk was moving people around the office and into other areas to fill out paperwork, take photos, wait for photos and other stuff.

When we were asked to come to the counter we had several questions and the lady took the time to serve all of our needs and questions.

She was not impatient with us and was very courteous.

The county and the people should be very proud of this office. I know I am very satisfied with the staff and the service.

Thank you, County Clerk's Office - you done good!

Harvey B. Andersen

Moravia