Kennebunk Town Clerk Merton Brown received an award for exemplary service last week.

Kennebunk Town Clerk Merton Brown received the Ethelyn Stuart Marthia Award for exemplary service last week.

According to Tracey O’Roak, president of the Maine Town and City Clerks’ Association, Brown was recognized for his “outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to the Kennebunk community.”

The award, wrote the association, honors clerks who embody the dedication, mentorship, and leadership that defined former Kennebunk Town Clerk Ethelyn Stuart Marthia’s remarkable legacy.

O’Roak said Brown has always been a patient and willing mentor to clerks all over the state.

“There was no question in my mind who this year’s recipient should be,” O’Roak said. “Merton has set an incredibly high standard for all of us to achieve, especially his enthusiasm for elections.”

Brown has served as Kennebunk Town Clerk since 2014, and served in various capacities in the clerk’s office and on elections prior to that. He has also been an active leader in the Maine Town and City Clerks’ Association.

Mentored by Marthia, Brown said the award was especially meaningful.

“We were very good friends,” Brown said. “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.”

The award was presented to Brown on Sept. 19 at the association’s annual meeting, and his name will be added to the permanent record of award recipients.

Kennebunk Town Manager Heather Balser offered congratulations to Brown, calling the town “very fortunate” to have him serving the community.

“We greatly appreciate his enthusiasm, passion and dedication for the job of town clerk,” Balser told the Post. “Merton’s tireless commitment to our town and the citizens of Kennebunk make him truly deserving of this award.”

Upon receiving the award, Brown said he appreciates the support from the select board, the town manager, the town clerk’s office staff, and all of the town departments and ballots clerks who are vital to the election process.

“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,” Brown said.