2018 Ellis County Clerk GOP Candidate Questionnaire responses Posted in Ellis County on February 12, 2018 by Publisher Left: Krystal Valdez. Middle: Jessica Irwin. Right: Denise DeLara.ELLIS COUNTY — Learn more about the candidates running for Ellis County Clerk in their own words. The three candidates vying for the position answered a comprehensive questionnaire presented by Ellis County Citizen.Voters will take to the polls on March 6, 2018 to cast a ballot for their preferred choice. Krystal Valdez, Jessica Irwin and Denise DeLara are facing off.Election day voting will be held on March 6, 2018 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Click here for a list of election day polling locations. Early voting will take place February 20, 2018 through March 2, 2018. Click here for a list of early voting locations and times.Get to know each candidate by reviewing their responses to several questions posed by Ellis County Citizen. Compare the responses of each candidate to each question below or click on a candidate's name above to view an individual candidate's responses to all questions on one page. The candidates' names are in the order in which they will appear on the ballot.Ellis County Citizen endorses Krystal Valdez in the 2018 Republican Primary.Candidate Questionnaire Responses1) Age:Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: 35Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: 30Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: 472) City of Residence:Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: WaxahachieClick for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: MidlothianClick for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: Red Oak3) Years Living in Ellis County:Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: 23Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: 12 YearsClick for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: 18 years4) Family:Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: Married to my husband, Eric Valdez with two children, Tyler and Ariana.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: I am married to Robert Irwin who is a Midlothian Varsity High School Football coach and Government Teacher. We have 3 lively boys Ethan, Zander, and Robbie.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: I have been married to my husband Michael for 25 years. We have 3 daughters.5) Education:Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: Graduated from Red Oak High School and received my Paralegal Studies from Navarro College.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: Tarleton State University, BS in Agriculture Services and Development, Communications. Midlothian High School.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: Graduated Duncanville High School and attended Mountain View Community College6) Previous Public Office Experience:Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: While I have never served as an Elected Official or head of department, I have served over eight years of public service for Ellis County; over six years as a Deputy County Clerk for the Ellis County Clerk’s Office and over two years as Chief Administrator for Ellis County Court at Law No 1.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: NoneClick for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: I have served as the Ellis County Republican Party Chairman for 3 years.I am the current State Republican Executive Committee Woman for Senate District 22.7) Occupation:Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: Court Coordinator for Ellis County Court at Law No 1.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: Agriculture EducatorClick for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: I am the Office Manager in the Healthcare field.8) Church and Civic Involvement:Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: My family and I have remained active members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for twenty-three years. I am a member of the Ellis County Republican Women, I volunteer at a nearby Elementary School and the Waxahachie Youth Baseball Association.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: Currently I am a FFA Advisor, SkillsUSA Advisor, 4-H Coordinator, and teacher. As a teacher, I work with Title 1 students to advance their career skills in Agriculture, leadership, and applying to colleges. Many of these students have overcome adversity and gone on to Veterinary Medical school. In addition to my school duties, I am a High School coach’s wife. This entails being at local sporting events, hosting dinners, and being an example for the young citizens of Ellis County. I am also a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: We are members of Grace Church of Ovilla.I have been a delegate to the County and State Convention since 20129) Please provide a biographical narrative.Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: Krystal Valdez has lived in Ellis County for 23 years, she graduated from Red Oak High School and went on to earn her Paralegal Degree from Navarro College. When Krystal is not working she enjoys spending time with her husband Eric and two children, Tyler and Ariana. By the grace of God, Krystal and Eric have successfully completed 15 years together and credit their faith, family support and church community for that accomplishment. Krystal and Eric have been active members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for over 20 years where they have raised their children in the Christian faith. Krystal’s husband, Eric, is nearing 15 years at Oncor, prior to that he spent two and half years in law enforcement. Their son, Tyler, plays baseball for Mountain View College and their daughter, Ariana, enjoys dancing and softball.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: I am a graduate from Midlothian High School and Tarleton State University where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Services and Development, Communications. I moved to Ellis County in middle school with my family, left for college and returned to Ellis County as soon as I could. In high school I was active in the Marching Band, Color Guard, FFA, and a recipient of the Ellis County Master Gardner Scholarship. While in college, I was selected for Tau Beta Sigma, a national honorary sorority, and served as an officer. I am currently an Agriculture Science Educator and have previously served as an intern at the Ellis County Extension office. My experience as an Agriculture Educator has afforded me the privileges of both service to and leadership of the community. I have served on the CHAMPS leadership committee to increase positive behaviors from employees and students. Also I am a member of the Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: I grew up in Duncanville and graduated from Duncanville High School. My dad was the Vocational Agriculture Teacher in Duncanville High School for over 20 years. My mom worked in the banking industry. In High School I was the FFA Secretary. After High School I attended Mountain View College. During that time I met my husband and we were married and we had three daughters, two who have graduated from Red Oak High School. I currently work in the healthcare industry and have an extensive 20-year background in office management, information technology, software training, staff supervision and employee training. I previously worked for Red Oak Independent School District at Shields Elementary as the Technology Specialist.10) What motivated your interest in running for County Clerk in Ellis County?Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: When I began working for the Ellis County Clerk’s Office over 8 years ago I realized my passion for public service didn’t come from doing the work, it came from loving the work. After several years of working in the Clerks Office and completing the first technological advancement, I realized that I had a drive to make the Clerk’s Office better than it was. My goal is to make the necessary technological advancements while continuing the exceptional level of customer service that Cindy Polley instilled over her seven terms.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: As a student in the FFA, I grew up admiring the Texas Agriculture Commissioner. From the moment I saw Susan Combs speak I knew I wanted to be a leader and make a difference in my community. Also, I grew up with a mom who worked for Ellis County, so with the example of selfless service she has set, it feels natural to me to answer the call of public service. My mother is an 8 year employee of the Ellis County Clerk’s office. I have seen the office, and county, grow from the time she worked in Human Resources at the Ellis County Court House to when she began her new role as the Vitals Clerk. When I first learned of Mrs. Polley’s retirement, I knew this was my chance to serve my community and build upon the lessons my mother has taught me. I knew that the skill sets I have sharpened as an Agriculture Educator would seamlessly transition me into this office and allow me to bring talent and innovation to the County Clerk’s office. I want to bring in the technological advancements that are needed to increase the efficiency of this office. I can take what I use in my career as an Agriculture Educator and bring it to the County Clerk’s office. As an educator, I must complete detailed documentation on a daily basis. I must protect confidential records in accordance with numerous state laws. I am also frequently called upon to electronically file documents in order to streamline information. With this knowledge and first-hand experience with the County Clerk’s office I felt that it was my duty to step up and run for office.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: After lots of thought and prayers I felt called to run for County Clerk. I believe that my experience will be an asset to the citizens of Ellis County. I also will to be an Elected Official that has been involved and will continue to be involved in the Republican Party of Ellis County.11) Briefly and succinctly define the job responsibilities of the office you are seeking.Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: The County Clerk serves as the clerk and custodian of the records for the Commissioners Court, County Court at Law 1 and County Court at Law 2; is the recorder and custodian of public records including bonds, deeds, assumed names, livestock brands, birth, death and marriage records and ensuring the records are maintained in a archival manner.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: The county clerk is responsible for a wide range of duties mandated by Texas law. The clerk serves the public as the official keeper of county records. These records include items filed by citizens and public officials, such as real estate related filings, mortgages, plats, DD 214’s for discharged vets, public notices, leases, liens, DBA’s, birth/death certificates, brand registration, and Marriage licenses. The County clerk also collects fines, fees, and court costs for misdemeanor court.The county clerk receives, records, and preserves these records. In addition, the county clerk prepares agendas and maintains meeting minutes. These meetings are with other county officials in the community at Commissioners’ Court.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: I like to say the County Clerk’s office documents you from the cradle to the grave. The County Clerk issues Marriage licenses, and records death records, certificates of release or discharge from active duty (DD 214), property deeds, deeds of trust, liens, right down to cattle brands. The County Clerk also serves as clerk for the court for all misdemeanor criminal and civil courts, as well as commissioners’ court and probate court; and maintains those records as well. As clerk of the county courts, the county clerk collects and is responsible for money paid in court costs, fines and fees and for the payment of juror fees.12) What qualifications and professional experiences do you possess that are applicable to the position you are seeking requires? Be specific.Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: I have over six years of experience as a Deputy County Clerk in the Ellis County Clerk’s Office, I served in the Vital Statistics Department, Real Property Research, Lead Civil Desk Clerk, assisted in Probate and Guardianship, have experience in researching legislative changes that affect the Clerk’s office, and have a working knowledge of other duties. Additionally, I have served as the Chief Administrator for County Court at Law No 1, a court supported by the Clerk’s Office. In this position I have improved interdepartmental communications, assisted the Judge in creating policies and procedures that have created efficiency and assisted the Judge in creating and maintaining a balanced budget. Over the past eight years I have built relationships and worked successfully with all other departments within the County.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: My Professional experience as an Ag Educator has given me the tools to be a leader with a servant’s heart along with other duties similar to that of the County Clerk. I must complete detailed documentation on a daily basis. I protect confidential records in accordance with numerous state laws. I am frequently called upon to electronically file reports and records in an attempt to streamline the sharing of information. With my background in Agriculture, I also have the added bonus of understanding the importance of record keeping and registering cattle brands.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: I am detail oriented with a financial background as well as technology and supervisory.13) What qualifications do you possess that will enable you to manage a budget of over $1 million for the County Clerk’s office? Be specific.Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: I have been through several budget cycles maintaining the County Court at Law 1 budget, I am familiar with the proven processes to keep it balanced while staying within the guidelines set by the County. I am also aware of the special and dedicated funds that the County Clerk maintains and will make sure that any spending from these funds is done properly.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: As an Agriculture Educator and an advisor of a nationally recognized organization, I have a number of financial responsibilities similar to that of the County Clerk. I must access and maintain accurate records of the budget for the agriculture department at one of the largest schools in the nation. I am frequently called upon to place purchase orders and keep track of public money. Being attentive to detail, keeping track of all expenditures, and generally being efficient will enable me to manage any size budget for the County Clerk’s office.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: In my current role I already manage an office with a comparable budget. I manage medical reimbursements, billing, and payroll.14) How has your education and professional experience prepared you for this office?Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: My education in Paralegal Studies along with my experience in the Clerk’s Office and County Court at Law 1 has allowed me to have a proven record in the duties of the Clerks office; experience in maintaining a large, balanced budget; and created successful relationships with all other departments in the County. As a Deputy Clerk I directly assisted leadership with the implementation of efiling, efiling was the largest technological advancement in the history of the Clerks Office. This experience has allowed me have first-hand knowledge of the type of work and the necessary time that is needed to make future technological advancements.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: Beyond my direct experience, I believe the education I received at Tarleton State University has prepared me for this opportunity. While at Tarleton, I earned a bachelor's degree in Agriculture Services and Development and interned at the Ellis County Agricultural Extension Office. My work ethic, passion for service, and work related skill sets will help me serve the citizens of Ellis County. As an Agriculture Educator I have led the community with a servant’s heart and successfully completed a number of tasks similar to that of the County Clerk.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: In my current role I already manage an office with a comparable budget.15) Have you declared bankruptcy or have had any liens placed upon you in the past 10 years? If so, please explain.Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: No.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: NoClick for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: No16) What distinguishes you from your opponent(s)?Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: I am the only candidate with experience in the Clerk’s Office, this has allowed me the opportunity to directly address the isssues. I am confident that my experience with the processes, procedures, software system and daily duties will allow me to begin working for the Citizens of Ellis County on day one.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: My college degree and career directly relate to public service. I am the only candidate with a four year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. My education and professional skill sets will help me bring innovation and a fresh perspective to the County Clerk’s office.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: I know one of the candidates has worked for the Clerk’s Office in a non-supervisory role as a receptionist and one of several Deputy Clerks. I am the only candidate that has the supervisory experience in the private sector and as an Elected official. As Chairman I was responsible for overseeing the Ellis County Republican Party and the Executive Committee. When I was appointed as the Chairman of the Republican Party it was in compete duress. Under my leadership the Party has flourished. I have rebuilt our credibility and relationships with our Elected Officials. The Party is in the best financial shape the it has been in for over 20 years. I am also the only candidate that has a proven commitment to the Republican Party.17) Is there any additional training that you plan to seek to assist you in the duties of County Clerk?Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: Yes, Government Code 51.605 requires clerks to complete 20 hours of instruction regarding the performance of the clerks duties of office during each calendar year that begins after the clerks election or appointment to office. As a new county clerk I will be required to receive continuing education from the Attorney General's Office of the State of Texas for the topics of Public Information Act and Open Records and Meeting Act; this education is required within the first three months of taking office.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: County Clerks are required to attain 20 hours of training during each calendar year that begins after election. Beyond seeking my own professional development, I plan to further my understanding of each County Clerk employee’s duties in order to help them find professional development aimed at addressing their needs and the overall efficiency of the Clerk’s office.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: Yes, I always avail myself of education and learning opportunities.18) What is the appropriate budget size for the County Clerk’s office and why should the current budget be cut, remain the same or increased?Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: I believe it would be difficult to make cuts with the amount of growth of Ellis County, and until I am in Office and can see exactly how much it costs to maintain the Office I cannot confidently answer as to whether it should remain the same or be increased.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: The budget for the County Clerk’s office should remain at a minimum the same so that we can correct and update improperly scanned documents as well as upgrade our records keeping database. I want to adopt the best practices of a number of other counties so that I can make all county records more easily accessible to the citizens of Ellis County.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: I have reviewed the recent budgets and noted the only increases in the last several budget cycles has been the 3% cost of living pay raises.19) What are the three greatest challenges facing Ellis County related to the position you are seeking? If elected, what measures would you propose to resolve them?Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: At the moment I believe the greatest challenge facing Ellis County is the rapid growth resulting in a substantial increase in documents that the Clerk’s office receives on a daily basis. I believe an improved software system that will create efficiency, along with implementing e-recording and e-filing for criminal cases will streamline processes, saving time and money.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: The greatest challenges for the County Clerk’s office are modernizing and increasing public record accessibility, creating clarity for Ellis County Citizens, and Commissioner’s Court minutes readily available. If elected I would transition the database for public records to a more accessible platform and implement technology to create efficiencies that save taxpayer dollars. I want to create clarity on the website by having itemized lists of necessary information citizens will need when they come to the Clerk’s Office for their various forms and vital records. Finally I want to bring greater transparency to Ellis County by displaying a sense of urgency when completing Commissioner’s Court minutes. I believe the citizens of Ellis County have a right to know what is going on and that information must be made public in a timely manner.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: Adapting to new technology and handling new growth, and keeping excellent customer service. I believe that technology is the key to handle the new growth. I have had conversations with the Commissioners about the current software that is used. I know they are discussing several options and I will be able to facilitate any new changes that will be implemented.Right now, the current system that is used does not communicate with other departments. To become more efficient, we need a system that communicates but also to be mindful of taxpayer money.I know that right now the Courts are the only office using e-file we have the means to implement e-file now to service the title companies20) If elected, what are your top three priorities? How will you work with other elected officials and county staff to achieve them? Be specific.Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: My first priority will be to begin the process of making public documents accessible online, I will research the codes and reach out to other County Clerk’s to address any issues that they have more than likely overcome so we can be prepared for any of those issues. My second priority will be implementing e-recording to allow the recording industry the ability to electronically file deed records. My third priority will be to improve the website to make the citizens online experience just as enjoyable as it is when they walk through the door. In addition to that I will also work alongside my fellow county clerk's to fight against unfunded-state mandates and to bring such mandates to the commissioners’ attention in an effort to keep funding at the local level.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: If elected my top three priorities are addressing the three greatest challenges the county clerk’s office faces. First I want to work with other county clerk’s offices to research best practices. My goal is to adopt a more modern approach to record keeping. I want to transition our current records database to a more readily accessible platform so that Ellis county citizens have the files they need, when they need them. Second, I want to keep up to date websites and use social media platforms to help establish greater clarity for the citizens of Ellis County. If you need something from our office, it shouldn’t be difficult for you to find what documents you’ll need to provide our office so you can procure your vital records. Lastly, I want to work with city and county officials through the Commissioner’s Court to make sure that the minutes from meetings are available in a timely manner.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: Accessibility of records, Excellent Customer Service, and efficiency.I know that right now the Courts are the only office using e-file we have the means to implement e-file now to service title companies. I will make that a priority as well.As the Elected Count Chair, I have already established relationships with the other Elected Officials in Ellis County. I will continue to build those relationships to make the Clerk’s Office efficient and integrate with other offices.21) Government transparency has been an issue at all levels of politics for the past few years. Do you feel that the county is transparent enough? If not, what needs to change?Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: I believe anything that is public record should be reasonably accessible to the public, and I will work very hard to make those records available.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: Government transparency is a very important issue at all levels of government. Elected official have taken oaths to serve the people and I feel that it is our job as public servants to be accountable to our constituents and as transparent as possible. The County itself seems to have a good record with respect to transparency but there is always room for improvement. Things like posting the Commissioners’ Court minutes in a more timely manner is one example of how Ellis County could be more transparent.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: The County Clerk’s Office holds public records and those records should be readily available there by ensuring transparency.22) Minutes from Commissioners’ Court meetings are often slow to be written, presented to the Commissioners’ Court for approval and published on the county website. Do you believe this is an issue? If so, what do you plan to do to resolve the issue?Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: I have visited with the County Clerk and she is aware that it is an issue. Once I am elected, I will have first-hand knowledge of the process and have an idea of what the issue is so that I can work to resolve it.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: Yes, Commissioners’ Court meeting minutes are slow to be written and presented. I plan to resolve this issue by having minutes completed with a sense of urgency. As an Ag Educator my work comes home with me more nights than not. Deadlines are real in the world of education and I intend to apply that attitude to my responsibilities as County Clerk.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: Yes, in my current role in the healthcare field deadlines are critical to patient care. I will bring that efficiency to the Clerk’s Office for the citizens of Ellis County.23) In your opinion, what are the most important qualities that a County Clerk needs to have?Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: I believe the most important quality is a servants heart, the Clerk’s office is all about servicing the citizens of Ellis County. I also believe attention to detail, a drive to learn, and willingness to be ready for changes and to adapt to those changes is extremely important. The Clerk’s Office touches some if not all parts of our lives, the duties of the Clerk's office and the way they are done is constantly changing with the legislature and it is extremely important for the records to be kept accurately and according to law.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: I believe that because we are here to serve the citizens of Ellis County, the first and most important quality the County Clerk should possess is being a great people person. The Clerk’s office is often the face of government for the county and that face should be pleasant, understanding, and helpful. I also believe that due to the nature of the record keeping responsibilities, the County Clerk should be exceptionally organized, detail oriented, and punctual.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: As the Elected Official I believe since you are interacting with the public on a daily basis you need to have an outgoing personality. You also need to have supervisory experience, great customer service experience, organizational skills, detail oriented, multi task oriented and can excel under pressure.24) How can the office of County Clerk best serve the citizens of the county?Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: The Office of the County Clerk can best serve the citizens of the county by making records easily accessible, looking for ways to make processes more efficient and always maintaining transparent and financially fiscal with your money.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: A County Clerk can best serve the citizens of the county by being efficient, accessible, and up to date with technology.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: With the advancement of technology and software updates/changes to have records more readily available online. I will also have on open door policy and I will be readily available.25) If elected, how would you reach out and form relationships with residents of Ellis County and how would you reach out to those residents in the outlying areas of the county?Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: I believe the best way to reach out to those areas would be with an updated and informative website and the use of social media to keep the residents of the outlying areas immediately up to date.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: The internet, modern technology, and social media have made the world a smaller and more accessible place. I want that to be true for Ellis County as well. It shouldn’t matter if you live 5 minutes from the courthouse or all the way out at the county line. You should have the same access to your public records. It is my goal to create a County Clerk’s office that serves ALL of it’s citizens by utilizing the best technology we can responsibly implement.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: I would like to expand e-filing so that not only he courts could utilize this system so could title companies. We would also have records accessible online so that individuals could search online not have to drive to downtown. I would also like to expand our online presence for citizens to contact our office.26) If elected, what are the factors on which you will base your decisions as County Clerk?Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: When making decisions I will always ensure that my decisions are in the best interest of the citizens of Ellis County and that they are done according to the law. As County Clerk I will take an oath to faithfully execute the duties of the Office of County Clerk of the State of Texas, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this State, so help me God; those are the factors I will base my decisions on.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: If elected, I will base all decisions on two key questions. First, is this decision efficiently serving our citizens best interests? Second, is this decision cost effective? All my decisions as your County Clerk will be run through that filter in order to make sure that the office is accountable to the citizens we serve.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: My decisions will be based on core Republican values and seeking to minimize the cost of government while provided efficient and excellent customer service to the citizens of Ellis County.27) Why should voters choose you?Click for Krystal Valdez's responseKrystal Valdez: Running for County Clerk is not something I decided overnight, this is something I have prayed about and worked towards for several years. I genuinely care about making improvements that will benefit everyone, including the clerks that work in the office. Making technological improvements is without a doubt extremely necessary, I have already begun those improvements and I want to take those improvements to the next level. I will give the taxpayers the biggest bang for their buck because I am already trained, experienced, and have a proven track record in the duties of the Clerk's Office. I am confident that I have the experience to seamlessly transition the Clerk's Office from day one.Click for Jessica Irwin's responseJessica Irwin: Electing Jessica Irwin as your County Clerk would guarantee you, as a tax payer, a leader with a servant’s heart. You would not be electing the status quo. I will make sure that you are getting the most efficient services from the County Clerk’s office and have someone that is accessible with an open door policy. You will be electing a leader that respects County Clerk employees, someone that doesn’t skip over details, and has knowledge of the office operations. I have gained this knowledge first hand as a daughter of a hard working employee of the County Clerk’s office for the past 8 years. You will be getting a County Clerk that will maintain that small town service feel but add the 21st century efficiency.Click for Denise DeLara's responseDenise DeLara: I am the only candidate who has demonstrated involvement in the Republican Party on a local and state level for ten years long before I decided to run for office. I have the supervisory experience to lead the Clerk’s office into the future. I also have the technology background to advance the efficiency and accessibility to the office. Have the personal skills to elevate the Customer Service aspect as well. I will encourage and motivate my staff and I will be a hands on County Clerk. I will readily available to the Citizens, Elected Officials and all other departments in Ellis County.We need elected officials who decide to run on the Republican ticket that they have a proven commitment to Republican values and who demonstrate that on a daily basis. You may also be interested in reading2018 Ellis County Judge GOP Candidate Questionnaire responses2018 Ellis County Sheriff GOP Candidate Questionnaire responses2016 Ellis County Sheriff GOP Candidate Questionnaire responses2016 Ellis County Constable Pct 4 GOP Candidate Questionnaire responses2016 Ellis County Commissioner Pct 1 GOP Candidate Questionnaire responses2016 Ellis County Commissioner Pct 3 GOP Candidate Questionnaire responses2016 Ellis County Constable Pct 2 GOP Candidate Questionnaire responsesEllis County Republican Party to hold candidate forum on Feb. 9Candidate 2018 profile: Krystal ValdezGOP candidates answer tough questions heading into March 1 primary election ← Candidate 2018 profile: Krystal ValdezCandidate 2018 profile: Todd Little → Leave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment.