Secretary of State

[Piak]

Dear Teacher,

What is the difference of the Secretary of State, in New York and the Secretary of State, in Washington D.C.
I understand that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of some countries is something equivalent to the Secretary of State in USA, so what does this mean, in a Letter of Secretary of State, Alexander F. Treadwell, New York, 26th. Jan. 2000, when the name of such person is not the name of the Secretary of State at that time, and whose Department (Ministry) is not located in Washington DC but in New York?

Best regards,
Piak

[Ouisch]

Each of the 50 states has its own Secretary of State. His or her duty is to administer the office that handles general state business, such as administering elections, registering corporations, trademarks and trade names, publishing state administrative codes and registers, and handling business and occupational licensing.

[Piak]

Thank you, Ouisch

So, it is different from the Secretary of State Powell or Riza Rice, isn't it?

If it is so, it must be something like a City Clerk or County Clerk but in the level of a state. Am I correct, please give me more explanation?

Thank you again.

Kind regards,
Piak

[Ouisch]

Yes, it is different that the U.S. Secretary of State. And the individual Secretary of States' responsibilities are similar to a county clerk. Just about any major official business within a state, whether it's registering a business name, getting a license for your boat or applying for a liquor license has to pass through the Secretary of State's office.

[Piak]

Thank you, Ouisch. I find your explanation much useful and I can understand what it is now.


Thank you very much indeed.

Kind regards,