BERRIEN COUNTY CLERK ELECTION UPDATE

By DEBRA HAIGHT
BCR Correspondent

        ST. JOSEPH – Just a week after Berrien County Clerk Sharon Tyler announced her decision to not run for re-election, Lincoln Township Clerk Stacy Loar-Porter threw her hat in the ring in the race to succeed her. For her part, Tyler has endorsed Loar-Porter to be her successor.

Tyler has served as the county clerk since 2013. She is currently nearing the end of her third four-year term, having first been elected in 2012. Previously she served two two-year terms as a state representative from 2009-2012 and spent 30 years as an economic developer in Berrien County.

“As a dedicated public servant and community advocate, I proudly announce my candidacy for Berrien County Clerk in the upcoming election,” Loar-Porter said in a press release.

“With a steadfast commitment to integrity, efficiency, and transparency in government, I feel I will bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role of County Clerk. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong dedication to serving the residents of Lincoln Charter Township, and I am eager to continue this service in a new capacity.”

She said she has consistently championed initiatives to modernize processes, enhance accessibility, and ensure the fair and accurate administration of elections, while also maintaining fiscal responsibility within Lincoln Township.

“As someone who has dedicated the last 22 years to serving our community at the local level of government, I understand firsthand the importance of being accessible to our residents,” she said. “If elected as Berrien County Clerk, I will continue to prioritize accessibility, transparency, and accountability in serving the needs of our community.”

She said she understands the vital importance of the County Clerk’s office in facilitating democracy and providing essential services to residents, and is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency in this role.

“I believe in the power of effective governance to positively impact the lives of our residents, and I am dedicated to ensuring that the County Clerk’s office remains responsive, accountable, and accessible to all,” she stated. “With your support, I am eager to continue serving our community and working tirelessly to uphold the integrity of our electoral process.”

Loar-Porter noted that she is deeply rooted in the Berrien County community and understands the diverse needs and priorities of its residents. She looks forward to engaging with all Berrien County residents, listening to their concerns, and working collaboratively to implement innovative solutions that will benefit the entire community.

She also commented on Tyler’s endorsement. Tyler had said last month that she planned on endorsing someone for the position and was just waiting for that person to announce her candidacy. She stressed what she sees as the importance of having someone in that position who can start from day one and not have to learn on the job.

“Sharon Tyler, the esteemed County Clerk of Berrien County, has graciously extended her endorsement to me,” Loar-Porter stated. “Her steadfast commitment to excellence within the Berrien County Clerk’s Office has set a remarkable standard over the years.”

“I am deeply honored to have received Sharon Tyler’s endorsement, as it reflects her confidence in my abilities to uphold the principles of honesty, hard work, and dedication. Her emphasis on the importance of strong and competent leadership resonates with me, and I am committed to ensuring that her legacy is continued.”

“With her endorsement, I am reminded of the responsibility entrusted to me, and I am fully prepared to undertake the challenges of overseeing the day-to-day activities of the office,” she added.

She said she wholeheartedly agrees with Tyler that this position requires someone with both the necessary skills and experience. She noted that her tenure as the Lincoln Charter Township Clerk since 2008 has provided her with invaluable knowledge and insights that she will bring to the role of County Clerk.

At the county level, several positions will be on the ballot this year including the County Clerk, County Treasurer, County Prosecutor, County Sheriff, Drain Commissioner, Register of Deeds and all 12 County Commissioner seats.

In addition, city, township, village and school board positions will on the ballot. In state races, all state house seats will be on the ballot as will one U.S. Senate seat.

The filing deadline is April 23 at 4 p.m. for partisan and non-partisan city and township offices as well as the state level offices. The filing deadline for school boards and villages is July 23 at 4 p.m. People running unaffiliated for a partisan position or for a local district library board must file by July 18 at 4 p.m.

Deadlines for county and local ballot proposals are May 14 for the Aug. 6 election and Aug. 13 for the Nov. 5 general election.

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