A 6 Pack Of Questions for County Candidates- County Clerk

On Monday we presented the responses from our two candidates for Newaygo County Sheriff. Today we have the 2 candidates for Newaygo County Clerk.
Once again, early voting begins this Saturday and runs through Sunday, August 4th. Election Day is Tuesday, August 6th. Absentee Ballots can be obtained until Monday, August 5th at 4pm.
As always, elections are decided by those who show up to vote and the best vote is an informed one.

Jason Vanderstelt
My name is Jason Vanderstelt. I have been the Newaygo County Clerk for the past 8 years. I’m a graduate of Hesperia High School and received my Bachelor of Business Accounting from Baker College. I served in the United States Air Force as an Electrical and Environmental Specialist on F-15 aircraft. I’ve worked as an Accountant for Hackley Hospital, Powers Motor Sports, TrueNorth Community Services and beginning in February of 2012 as the Accountant for the Newaygo County Treasurer. 
Since beginning at the County in 2012, I’ve had the amazing opportunity of coaching youth sports. I believe that serving others and building relationships with community members is important for an Elected Official and coaching has afforded me that opportunity.  I have been honored to write letters of recommendations for colleges, for jobs, or being a reference, as these young men and women enter the job market.

April Pickard
Hello, my name is April Pickard and I am running for Newaygo County Clerk. I've lived in Newaygo County since I was a young child. I attended Grant Public Schools where I graduated in 2000. I have 5 amazing children and a very supportive husband. I've spent most of my life volunteering for many organizations and building meaningful relationships along the way. I loved volunteering with the Special Olympics bowling and  volleyball programs, as well as the Summer Games at Central Michigan University. I was part of a group who ran and coached the American Youth Soccer Organization in White Cloud for numerous years. I am a certified firefighter who spent time working in Newaygo County. I also volunteered on the Community Emergency Response Team and Medical Reserve Corps for Newaygo County Emergency Services. I have a passion for serving the community and the people who live here. I've worked for Newaygo County for 10 years now in different capacities and I currently work in the Clerk's Office as the Elections Administrator.

Why are you running?
Pickard: 
I am running for Newaygo County Clerk because I feel there is a great opportunity for a positive change in the Clerk's Office.

Vanderstelt: 
The Clerk’s Office has changed greatly since my election in 2016. Proposals and law changes have greatly affected the Clerk’s Office. It is extremely important that our Elected Officials can lead and excel through change.  I believe the residents of Newaygo County deserve to have Elected Officials that understand and care about the concerns of their constituents. I’m running again because I care about the duties of the Clerk's Office and the residents of this County and will strive to continue the great service that you deserve.


What makes you the best candidate?
Vanderstelt:
I began my career as County Clerk in January of 2017 following four years as the Accountant in the Treasurer’s Office. I have been with the County since 2012 and that experience is extremely beneficial. I have a bachelor’s in accounting with over 20 years’ experience which has allowed me to correct audit issues prior to my election and has been a great asset as County Clerk. I’ve developed strong working relationships with Department Heads, Elected Officials and office personnel.

Pickard:
My love for Newaygo County, along with my dedication to public service and impeccable work ethic makes me a great candidate for the job.

What do you see as the 3 main responsibilities of the post you are seeking?
Pickard:
The three main responsibilities of the Newaygo County Clerk are
1. To ensure Election Integrity
2.To provide excellent customer service
3. To provide support and resources to our local clerks

Vanderstelt:
The three (3) main responsibilities of the Clerk's Office include Elections, Vital Records and service. Duties are prescribed by law and include Clerk to the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Election Board of Canvassers, Clerk of the County Election Commission, County Plat Board and the County Apportionment Board.The Clerk maintains birth and death records, marriage licenses, assumed business names, concealed pistol licenses, veteran discharge records, notary commissions and voter registration records.The County Clerk is the chief election official of the County, supervises all national, state, and local elections, and is responsible for the administration of the Michigan Campaign Finance Reporting Ace.

How will you serve or better serve the public, if elected or reelected?
Vanderstelt:
If reelected I will continue to work to serve this great County with the Honor, Integrity, Ethics and professionalism it deserves. It was an Honor to serve this great country as a member of the United States Air Force where along with an amazing upbringing from my parents I was raised on these 4 pillars.

Pickard:
I will better serve the public by providing up-to-date options to request and apply for vital records, have open and clear communication with the public and all of the local clerks that serve our communities, and will also attend conferences to network with other county clerks, along with  keeping current on all laws, policies, and procedures that pertain to the Clerk's Office.

County officials' responsibilities are not well known by the community members they serve.  How will you educate your constituents and help them stay informed?
Vanderstelt:
I will continue to have an open-door policy with constituents and be available when needed, not just during normal business hours. I’ve had a great opportunity to assist many members in this County with questions I’ve received from Elections to an infestation of Michigan Rattlers. 

Pickard:
I will attend local City and Township meetings to keep constituents informed. I would like to partner with the local school districts to teach kids about elections and duties of the County Clerk's office. I would also like to utilize social media as a way to provide information on a larger scale.

In your opinion what makes for an effective leader?
Vanderstelt:
Empathy!!! Empathy is the ability to see things from another’s perspective and feel their emotions. Putting yourself in another person’s shoes might lead you to act with compassion and do what you can to improve their situation.

Pickard:
I believe in order to be an effective leader one must possess the skills to make hard decisions for the overall betterment of the department.  You must be available and easily approachable for constituents and local clerks, be able to provide concise and accurate information, along with being motivated to learn and keep up with any changes in laws, policies, or procedures relating to the Clerk's Office.

Tomorrow: Register of the Deeds

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