Candidate profiles for Tuesday, Aug. 7, election

Dear Candidate:

In the interest of helping our readers become better informed voters, we at the El Dorado Springs Sun, newspaper are contacting each opposed candidate in election races in our coverage area to give you a chance to provide information which we will publish prior to the Aug. 7 primary.

We need to have your written response in our office by Friday, July 20, so we will have time to do all the typing and proofing that will be required. Our address is P.O. Box 71, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744. Email us at kwlong@centurylink.net. Please send your answer as a Microsoft Word attachment AND include the information in the body of the email as a back-up. We are on Mac and cannot open PC documents. Please ask us to confirm receipt.

A photo is optional. We can use a good quality color photo or a black and white photo. It will be returned to you. We will take a photo at no charge: just call the office at 876-3841 to make arrangements. Even if you do not choose to provide a photo or have us take one, we request that you provide the following information.

Please answer these questions:

1. Name:

2. Occupation:

3. Office Sought:

4. Reason you became a candidate:

5. Please tell the voters what you see as the issues in this election your position on each of them, how you will address each issue and how you propose for the county to pay for your solutions.

6. Please tell the voters why you are the best person to fill this position. Please include information about your education and work experience.

7. If you are an office holder, please tell the voters how long you have been in office and any major accomplishments you have had.

Please limit your responses on Questions 4, 5, 6 and 7 to 250 words or less on each one.

If you choose not to respond, we will publish the questions and indicate “Candidate did not respond.” For the sake of the voters, we certainly hope you will respond. If you mail or hand deliver your answers, lease staple your response if it runs more than one page and put your name on each page.

Thank you in advance for taking the time from your busy schedule to help us provide this valuable service to the voters. Please call my office at 417/876-3841 to confirm that you received this letter and if you have any questions.

Cordially, Kenny Long

Editor

P.S. I was delayed in getting this letter out because I was hospitalized.

Carlyn Battey

Cedar County Collector

I grew up and went to school in Piper, Kansas with my 5 siblings. After school I moved to Belton, MO where I met and married my husband David of 31 years. We have 3 children and 3 grandchildren living in Cedar County. While raising our children I took bookkeeping and accounting courses and ran a successful satellite business for 30 years with David. I did payroll and taxes for the business until I decided to home school my children. I taught them for 6 years. Teaching takes a lot of preparation and organization skills. We decided to move to Stockton 18 years ago because we had been coming to the lake for years and like the area.

I have worked in a few places here in Stockton that required working with the public. I worked with special needs men and women for 5 years helping with day to day living. I delivered meals for home bound citizens of Stockton while working with the special needs. I was in banking for 6 1⁄2 years and I am licensed in annuities and insurance. I also helped people with their auto and home loans. I was required to take many classes in dealing with different types of customers along with other required testing. I believe that with the experience and knowledge I gained while being a banker and running a business I would be a good fit for the collector position.

As an elected official I would be working for you, the community, therefore I would hope that if there were any improvements you would like to see in the collector’s office you would come to me with your concerns. If any changes could be made that would benefit the community I would work diligently with other government officials to implement those changes. Please vote for me, Carlyn Battey Aug. 7. Thank you for considering me for the Cedar County Collector.

Tammie Neill Papenfuhs

2. Cedar County Assessor’s office

3. Cedar County Treasurer

4. I am a hard worker and life-long resident of Cedar County with a desire to serve the community. My previous experience puts me in an ideal position to serve the citizens of Cedar County.

5. As an elected official, I believe fiscal responsibility should be a top priority. I will make sure my duties as Cedar County Treasurer provide fiscal oversight for the county.

6. My longstanding position in the Assessor’s Office has gained me valuable experience and knowledge. I’ve learned government rules and regulations while working with the assessed values of business, personal property, and real estate. I am driven by obligation to serve people and strive to be available to answer questions and help citizens complete their annual assessment sheets. Being raised in Cedar County has allowed meto personally know and care about its residents, which also makes me a good candidate. My experience qualifies me to do more and if chosen, I assure you I will use it to successfully fulfill the position of Treasurer. I am a Stockton graduate, and have worked locally all of my adult life. I have worked the Cedar County Assessor’s Office for nearly 20 years.

Robert Salmon

I am Robert Salmon, St. Clair County Presiding Commissioner. Along with my wife Susan I own and operate Salmon Ranch in St. Clair County southeast of Appleton City. I was elected Presiding Commissioner in 2010 and have served in that position since January 2011. I am seeking reelection as the Republican Candidate for St. Clair County Presiding Commissioner so we can continue to build upon the successes we have achieved since I have been in office.

The commission has a broad range of responsibilities in administering the County with the largest being the budget process. St. Clair County has healthy fund balances in all departments within the county. OurRoad & Bridge Department opened a new bridge on Big Monegaw Creek in April 2014. Again in May 2014 we opened a new bridge on Clear Creek. We also opened a new bridge over Weaubleau Creek south of Gerster. Currently we are beginning construction for a new bridge on NE 1270 RD. The county is attaining funds for these projects through theBRO (Bridge Replacement Offsystem) program. The BRO program, administered by the MO Department of Transportation is a funding mechanism by which eligible bridges can be replaced using Federal fuel tax dollars. One other issue I will cover in this article is Economic Development.

St. Clair County like most rural counties across MO has an alarming lack of young families. If we want students in our schools, shoppers in our stores, and folks in our churches, we must have opportunities for people to stay here and raise families. WE MUST HAVE JOBS. As the first step in this process, St. Clair County has formed an alliance with Osceola, Lowry City, Appleton City, and Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission to hire an Economic Developer. As directed by the County Commission the Economic Developer spends one day per week in each town, the remaining time is spent at the Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission Office in Clinton. A progress report is presented to the commission monthly. Will this endeavor bear immediate fruit? Not likely. Will it pay dividends in the future? Highly likely. No one will do it for us, we must help ourselves.

It is truly an honor to serve as your St. Clair County Presiding Commissioner. I have the experience and leadership to continue as your St. Clair County Presiding Commissioner. Your vote and support are appreciated.

If you have any questions please contact me at 660-476-5664 or my cell 660-492-7201. Or if you would like, stop by the courthouse any Monday or Wednesday morning.

Please remember to vote in the Aug. 7 Republican Primary.

Peggy Kenney

2 Cedar County Clerk

3. Cedar County Treasurer

4. I first became a candidate when a group of people came to me and ask me if I would consider running for county clerk. Due to it being a high pressure position with an extreme workload it had become a revolving door in our county and across the state. I was hesitant at first but decided to accept the challenge. Although at times it has been the most challenging, it has been one of the most rewarding decisions I have made. With the retiring of our current treasurer and collector at the same time I feel we need someone that understands how the money flows through the system to be our next treasurer. As county clerk I currently track the Collector’s tax book and balance with the treasurer, this giving me the experience needed to fulfill this role. I feel one of my strongest qualifications is that I care about the citizens of the county and how your tax dollars are spent. There have been years when the county struggled to make payroll that I along with some of the other office holders took partial salary in order to make the ends meet. I believe county policy, the Constitution of Missouri and federal law pertain to everyone but especially county employees and elected officials. If you elect me to be your next treasurer I will strive to serve this community honestly, morally and ethically.

5. One of the things I would propose to implement if I’m elected treasurer would be to electronically link the treasurer’s office with the county clerk’s office. This could be done at no additional costs to the county. By linking the offices it would minimize duplicating work and would create more efficiency between all the county offices. My experience with grant writing and grant administration would allow me to fill the role as a “grant writer” for the county. I would be willing to research grants not only to benefit the courthouse but also grants for the good of the community. I would be willing to fill this position at no cost to the taxpayers. I’m passionate about community service and would like to help facilitate or start programs that would benefit the needs of our county. In order to serve the community I think you must understand the needs. I feel I gain knowledge and am “in tune” with the needs by being involved in organizations such as Farm Bureau where I have been a board member for thirteen years, Cattleman been a member since it’s organizing in Cedar County, Cedar County Central Committee and Cedar County Republican Women.

6. I fill it is of utmost importance to fill this position with someone with a financial background. As the owner of a century farm, a small business owner, formerly the Executive Director of Stockton Chamber of Commerce and being your county clerk for the past twelve years I have gained years of experience in management, in financing and with audits; I’m knowledgeable with contracts and with the FEMA process. The county is a ten million dollar business that you the tax payers own and are responsible for hiring officials who can manage it. When you cast your vote for treasurer you will be hiring the person who will be responsible for investments, handling the revenue and balancing over sixty funds. As your county clerk I have prepared the budget and overseen accounts payable which would give me the experience needed for a smooth transition into the treasurer’s office. As county clerk I have been willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done whether that has taken thirty-five hours or sixty hours to complete and will continue to dedicate myself in this manner if elected treasurer. I feel that my past work experience along with high morals and ethics makes me the most qualified candidate to fulfill this position.

7. I have been honored to be your County Clerk for going on twelve years. During this time we have made numerous improvements to the courthouse. I secured a grant that allowed us to build a ramp at the front entrance of the courthouse so those who cannot manage stairs may enter the front of the courthouse instead of being made to use the back entrance. We were also able to put in electronic doors at the back entrance that allows easier access by a push of the button. I have been on the Executive Board for the Missouri Association of County Clerks for the past five years, serving as president in 2017, currently serving as past president. I am actively involved in National Association of Counties where I am serving on the national steering committee for “Rural Affairs and Agriculture” . Some of our committee work has focused on Waters of The Us, Air Monitor Regulations and Endangered Species . If you elect me as your treasurer I will continue to serve on this committee. In 2014 I received the “Rosemary Plitt” Award. This award is granted for dedication and outstanding contributions to the election process by the Secretary of State . It is considered the highest award available and at the time there had been fewer than ten county clerks ever chosen for this honor.

I respectfully request your vote on Aug. 7.

Lisa Nelson (Cargill)

2. Legal Secretary

3. Office Sought: Cedar County Collector

4. Reason you became a candidate: I was born and raised in Cedar County and would like to become more involved in making our county a better community.

5. I am willing to listen to the people and see what improvements can and need to be made. I would welcome any suggestions or feedback for improvements. My goal is to operate an efficient office, provide the best service to the taxpayers, and create a trusting environment between this office and the people of Cedar County.

6. I have been working for the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office as a Legal Secretary and Administrative Assistant for the past five years. Prior to that I worked for an accountant and have several years banking experience. I have attended OTC and MSU with an associates degree and have recently furthered my education by taking online classes. I am dedicated to working with the people of Cedar County and would be proud and honored to be “Cedar County Collector.”

John Dawson

2. Factory Machinist and Owner/operator of Dawson Heritage Farm

3.  Cedar County Recorder of Deeds

4. I decided to become a candidate for Cedar County Recorder of Deeds after speaking with many citizens. I served four deployments in the U.S. Navy, moving here in 2010. I enjoyed serving our country and would now like the chance to serve our county.

5. The most pressing issue with the Recorder of Deeds office, currently, is the experience of citizens has had. Courtesy and friendliness is vital, in my opinion, to any office. An elected official should have courtesy inside, as well as outside of the office. An elected official should be courteous to all citizens they are serving. There is no cost to correct issues of courtesy and friendliness, but the rewards are great.

6. I believe my work ethic, drive, attention to detail, and friendly personality make me the best choice for Recorder of Deeds. Growing up learning from WW2 and Vietnam Veterans taught me important values and instilled character. In the U.S. Navy I E-5 in two years due to a willingness to learn and work hard. Having the experience, as a supervisor, in the U.S. Navy gave me the opportunity to work with individuals from all walks of life. This provided me with the knowledge and ability to work well, while being productive with those who do not always share my view. The U.S. Navy gave me the knowledge of how to follow, lead, and to work as a team to accomplish the mission while not accepting failure as an option.

7. I have never been an elected official. I served eight years in the U.S. Navy on active and reserve status. I served four years on board the USS Okane “DDG77” and four years in a naval expeditionary unit.

Brenda Hamby

2. Accounting/Human Resources

3. Cedar County Clerk

4. After working in the Clerk’s office for 2 years, I recognized improvements that could be made to benefit the Cedar County taxpayers. When the position became available for open election, I felt this would be a great opportunity to make positive changes in the office. Therefore, I filed to start the election process and my campaign began. As I have gone door-to-door throughout the county, it’s been great meeting people and learning if they were raised in Cedar County and the history of their families. Also, there are a lot of people who moved here to make Cedar County their new home and it’s interesting to hear their reasons and family ties, if any, to the county. This whole process has been rewarding for me because I’ve been able to meet great people along the way. I’m excited to be running for Clerk and I look forward to bringing my career experience to county government. I am absolutely looking forward to the challenge of the position and to serving the taxpayers. I hope you will consider me when casting your ballot on Aug. 7.

5. There are several changes that can be made from an organizational standpoint which does not require additional funds and would be budget-friendly solutions. Communication is also something that I would like to see conveyed better through more detailed reporting and minutes, which would not be an additional cost. There are several things we can pursue communication-wise which do not require additional funds. Cedar County, Missouri should not be “behind the times” in technology. I believe in using the digital platforms to get connected to citizens throughout the county. This would help in conveying information and getting feedback from citizens. In regards to elections, there is state and federal monies which are put aside for updating equipment and to be used specifically for election issues. I would like to investigate and research updating of our current equipment. The monies spent on paper ballots and ballot errors might be better directed. After reviewing past years financial statements, I understand from a budgetary standpoint there are limited funds. My experience with grants is limited, but I would like to see additional research on state and federal grant programs that the County could take advantage. Change does not mean adding to the budget numbers, but taking the budget as it stands and using those tax dollars to their greatest potential to benefit the taxpayers.

6. The County Clerk position is not, and should not, be based on years of service in county government. I bring over 30 years of accounting, budgetary and administrative experience into Cedar County. My experience is broad and diverse. I have experience with multi-million dollar companies, as well as experience in the courthouse. During my high school years, I was a member of the National Honor Society. I studied business administration and accounting at Spoon River College and Midstate College. The bulk of my experience has been gained through working diligently and gaining insight through excellent hands-on opportunities. Throughout my career, I have handled situations professionally and surpassed expectations. The position of County Clerk shoulders a lot of responsibility and is something I do not take lightly. In vying for this position, I believe I am up for that challenge.

My top priorities include:

• Being present in the courthouse and within the county for County business;

• Returning phone calls and following through on citizen concerns;

• Adhering to deadlines and handling issues promptly;

• Organization and keeping important documents filed properly for retrieval;

• Open lines of communication with residents, employees, commissioners, and public officials

I invite you to visit my website at www.brendahambyforcedarcountyclerk.com for additional information and expanded work experience. My main goal and responsibility is to serve the taxpayers in the county by adhering to the mandated rules of the office.

Lisa Burkdoll

2. Registration clerk at Cedar County Memorial Hospital

3. Cedar County Collector

4. I put my name on the ballot because I am confident that I have the qualifications to effectively manage the position of county Collector. My 30 plus years experience of working with the public has given me a hands on perspective of the management needed to run the Collector office.

5. The office of collector should be accessible to the taxpayers with extended hours of operation during the tax collection deadline. The working public should have an opportunity to come to the Courthouse and take care of theirbusiness with little interruption of their work flow. I feel that extended hours on the weeknights during December and on Saturdays of the tax season would help to alleviate the congestion of long lines for those who can’t make the regularly scheduled hours. The additional help that we hire as temporary employees should help increase the efficiency of tax collection.

6. I graduated from Stockton High Schell and went on to Draughn’s Business School in 1988 where I received a certification for Office management. I have worked in the medical field for the past 30 years as a pharmacy technician at several different pharmacy locations. My experience as a hospital pharmacy tech included inventory management, invoice processing, drug ordering and maintaining supply. I have strong retail management experience and an in-depth understanding of quality customer service. My current job includes a personalized admittance proves that admits patients into the hospital to have procedures or to be seen by the emergency room physician. Multi-tasking is a crucial part of the various tasks I accomplish on a daily basis. I believe that I have exceptional problem solving skills and will try to work at taking car of any situation that may arise. My attitude has always been one of willingness to get in and do the job that needs to be done.

Joe Tucker

2. Business owner, Pegasus Plumbing, Electric, Heating and Cooling

3. Presiding Commissioner of St. Clair County

4. I moved to this area over 15 years ago because I love to fish, and within one hour of my house, we have the best fishing in the country. Over the last eight years, all of the counties surrounding St. Clair have had substantially better economic and job growth than we have had. This lack of economic development has resulted in an average county unemployment rate of 7.85% over the last eight years. This unemployment rate is higher than the start or national average, and is unacceptable. Our real estate values have increased less than half of the state average over the same eight year period. Our current Presiding Commissioner has had eight years to make economic progress, but has demonstrated no ability to do so. He is like a deer caught in the headlights not knowing what to do, or which way to turn. The victims of this lack of leadership, this lack of economic development, is everyone in the county. These economic failures have resulted in less money for schools, less money to maintain roads and bridges, less money for our Sheriff’s office, less money for our Rural Fire Department and less money for our county Health Department. That is in addition to lower property values, lower wages and fewer jobs. This county needs a leader. A leader that is both a fiscal conservative and an economic progressive. A leader that won’t be bought and paid for by a few wealthy people.

5. This election really comes down to a referendum on one issue, our local economy. If you are happy with high county unemployment rates, lower wages, lower property values and less money for our school law enforcement, roads and bridges and fire protection then vote for my opponent. An improved and expanding county economy will provide more money for all our county services without any tax increases. Our county will always be a primary agri-based economy, but adding even 100 non agri-based jobs will have an enormous impact. The state has made tax incentive financing available for economic improvement to much of our county. However, our current Commissioner hasn’t utilized this for the county’s benefit. The current county leadership has gained everyone. New business equals = new jobs = more county revenue for all county services. This county has numerous advantages to officer business and industry. Low sales and property taxes, tax incentive financing, a strategic location, ready and willing work force and our Natural Resources. The key is economic development. Mailing and Marketing to Business and Industry with brochures and a website focused on economic development, utilizing tools that have a minimal cost and I believe there are State and Federal monies available to cover in most of these costs. As Presiding Commissioner I will donate $1,00 to get this started and I hope other business leaders and Commissioners will do the same. This country was founded on a principal of “United we Stand,” and this county needs to do the same things and unite for our common good.

6. I have owned a successful business based in Osceola for over 15 years. I will spend taxpayer monies as cautiously as if it were my own. When the St. Clair County Sr. Center was just an idea, I donated my time and expertise to design the most cost efficient facility possible. There were more meetings with architects and engineers than I could recall. Through NAP contributions and direct donation I contributed approximately $10,000 to the construction of the new Sr. Center. On Tuesday, July 10, I donated another $10,000 for the construction of the new Sr. Daycare facility. I won’t stop there. If you honor me with the confidence of your vote I will pledge to donate $1,000 of my salary every month to a county based charity. The county food bank WINGS domestic violent shelter, animal shelter and senior services board will definitely be on my donation list. God donation suggestion? I want to hear them. I do not want this position for the money. I seek your vote to allow me to help St. Clair County achieve the prosperity we should have. I encourage/challenge all Commissioners to the same pledge if they have the welfare of our county as their best interest. I moved here because I love this area and the people, my goal is to make this a better place for everyone.

7. I am currently in my second year as a board member of the Friends of the St. Clair County Sr. Board. I enjoy working with John Fontana, president of the St. Clair County Sr. Services Board. I have been elected and reelected to sit on the St. Clair County Health Board. Our Health Center has expanded available services to include a fantastic low cost Dental Clinic. This was a vision of Catherine Johnson and I am honored to have helped to Board accomplish this. The Health Care Center has had a balanced budget since I joined and I work closely with Administrator Nancy Stephens. I also currently sit as an elected member of the Sac Osage Fire Board. Since being elected to the Fire Board my knowledge has been very helpful in obtaining two trucks, including the best ladder truck the county has ever had. And no new tax revenues were needed. We have a great board, a great Fire Chief in Travis Foley and we work together as a team. I also sit on Sheriff Keeler’s newly formed advisory council. Sheriff Keeler has done a great job and he will have my full support in making this a better county. None of my current positions pay a cent. I contribute my knowledge, expertise and time to make St. Clair County a better place. I would be interested to know of what my opponent has done to contribute to the betterment of this community, other than colleting a taxpayer funded paycheck. I would greatly appreciate your vote for Presiding Commissioner of St. Clair County on Aug. 7.

Carole Wilkerson

2. Cedar County Recorder of Deeds

3. Recorder of Deeds

4. I started in the office as the deputy in 1999. When the office was to split from the Circuit Clerk in 2002 I seen the opportunity to run for the office. I have been there ever since. I love my job. I love the history of the books. I want to continue to serve as your county Recorder if I am re-elected. I believe I have taken every step to assure that the office is user friendly. I will work to see that bills are passed that is in the best interest of the county for our office’s.

5. As far as county issues in this election I see three. First we will have a new County Clerk. Being an elected official myself If re-elected I will try to work diligently with the new clerk to make a smooth transition into her new position. Second the voters will elect a new Collector. My office and the collector’s office work together on problems that might come up on land transfers. If elected I will work closely with the newly elected Collector on any issues she or he might have that involve both or offices. And last third, the voters will elect a new Treasurer to office. The Treasurer handles 2 accounts for my office. I will work with the newly elected office holder if I’m elected. I don’t for see any money coming out of General Revenue to pay for the new office holder’s that will be elected in this election.

6. Experience! 19 years in the office. 19 years of extensive training from the Recorder’s Association. I was elected as Secretary of the Association in 2006 and moved on up to take the President of that Association. I sit on the Legislation Committee watching bills that might come up with things that will affect the office. I have the experience and knowledge of the duties of the office of Recorder of Deeds. I believe my performance as Recorder of the county proves my abilities and dedication to this office. I want to make sure that the history of the county will be preserved and to assure the people of the county that I have only their best interest in mind and I will continue to do so if re-elected.

7. I have 19 years in the Recorder’s office. When I started in January of 1999 everything was on paper. All of the state reports had to be broke down on a spread sheet. The office had an old Dos system that they only indexed on and it went back to around 1992. That summer we purchased a new software system and got rid of the spreadsheet. All of our reports at the end of the month would tally up and we knew who to pay and how much. Then nothing in the office had been microfilmed so we put in for grants to get all of the books back to 1845 microfilmed. Later on I decided to microfilm all of the Marriage License and Applications. Once microfilmed, we put them in archival folders and placed them in locked cabinets for storage. All are on the computer back to 1845. We microfilm everything going forward and the state has a copy in case of an emergency.

When the new jail was built that left the third floor empty. To make more room for the courts on the second floor the best move was for my office, the Treasurer’s office and Surveyor to move to the third floor. I encourage everyone to come visit the second and third floor to see just what we have done.

Heather York

2. Occupation: Deputy County Clerk for Cedar County

3. Office Sought: County Clerk

4. Reason you became a candidate: Believe it or not, I was an unlikely candidate. I have worked in this office for over 15 years and never desired to be an elected official, always content to be in the background doing the work.  When asked in the past, my response has always been the same, I wasn’t interested; I was terrified.  So my decision to run for this office didn’t come lightly but it did come with clarity.  Your tax dollars have paid my wages, my “on the job” education, you’ve invested in me all these years.  As a taxpayer myself, I believe I would find it a comfort to know that my taxes hadn’t gone to waste, that my investment was maturing.  This has never been just another job for me, I have chosen to serve the citizens of Cedar County all these years because this is my home, where I live and love, and can’t imagine being anywhere else.  For this very reason, I’m running for us, for the the citizens of Cedar County.

5. Please tell the voters what you see as the issues in this election, your position on each of them, how you will address each issue and how you propose for the county to pay for your solutions.

I see only one issue in this election and that is government experience vs. private sector experience.  Our legal responsibility for local government is differs greatly, not to mention the variations between tax reporting and county classification.  We are losing two incumbents to retirement this year.  All three financial offices of this county will change hands in the same year, that is alarming.  We have working elected officials in this county, so that experience I’ve referred to is key.  Typically in private sector positions, someone shows you the ropes for a time, an elected official doesn’t always have that luxury.  If the elected official has a staffed office, that may help, however, not all of these offices have staff.  Who teaches them how to do the job you’ve elected them to? State statutes tell you the law, rarely how to implement it.  Then it falls to the elected officials they work directly with, and not all of the offices work together, outside of greetings in passing.  If the county clerk, collector, and treasurer are all new at handling your tax dollars, who guides them?  These offices do work directly together with roughly 50 separate funds at all times, tax levies to be calculated, hospitals, schools, cities and road districts to receive their portion, funds that only the treasurer maintains and funds that the county clerk maintains.  Where does this leave us?  I implore you to consider the repercussions if we don’t vote experience.

6.  Please tell the voters why you are the best person to fill this position.  Please include information about your education and work experience.

I believe I am the best person to be your next County Clerk because I have the most experience doing much of the job already.  Our office does the work of accountant, auditor, voter registration and election official, payroll and human resources clerk, secretary to county commission, road and bridge and special road districts, insurance claim administrator over all insurances, inventory clerk, licensor of notary public, liquor and auctioneers, and occasionally grant writer.  No other county office is as diverse in duties.  When you consider it takes, at minimum, one year to do the job just once, and most of us have to do a task multiple times before it becomes natural, retaining experience is extremely important.

After graduating from Stockton High School, I attended college for a time, but working paid the bills.  I have worked in clerical positions for over 22 years, as bookkeeper for a stock trailer business, office manger for an internet provider, administrative assistant of four salesmen and collections clerk for a multi-million dollar security service and equipment company, and bookkeeper, payroll, HR and deputy clerk for Cedar County.

7. N/A