WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWNY) – Three key departments of Watertown City and Jefferson County government will soon be headed by different people.
Longtime District Attorney David Paulsen is retiring Friday, ending his 34-year tenure with Jefferson County government.
“It was a great time,” Paulsen said on Wednesday. “I really enjoyed representing the people of the district. I will miss it.”
The most exciting part of his job was working on projects for the district, said Paulsen. Most recently, he made preparations for the demolition of the old paper factory in Deferiet.
And most frustrating of all? Dealing with lawsuits against the district “based on things that are simply untrue or greatly exaggerated.”
As a member of the county legislature’s Finance Committee, 7th District Representative John Peck has worked with Paulsen for years.
“He’s personable and easy to talk to,” Peck said Wednesday. “He tries to guide you in the best direction for the district and always keeps an eye on the district’s finances.”
Scott Gray, representative of the 116th District, worked with Paulsen when Gray served as chairman of the district legislature for several terms.
Gray said Wednesday that Paulsen’s “commitment and expertise in property tax enforcement and municipal law have greatly benefited our community.”
“We will truly miss his contributions,” Gray said.
Paulsen’s longtime deputy, John Sabik, will replace him as district attorney.
In the city of Watertown, city appraiser Brian Phelps is expected to retire at the end of October.
Phelps has worked for the city for “almost 20 years,” he said Wednesday.
As the city’s assessor, Phelps is responsible for the tax assessment of real estate in the city.
“I really enjoy working with the people here,” Phelps said Wednesday. “What I enjoy most is interacting with the public.”
“There are people who are not happy with what you do, no matter how much you explain it,” he said. “I’ve done it often enough.”
Phelps’ job is a civil service position, and he said the city has applicants for it.
Vicky Murphy, the head of the city’s water management department, is also retiring. She could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.
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