Vigo County Clerk of the Circuit Court Choose 1
The clerk maintains all records of pleadings, motions, papers, evidence and court rulings of the court. The clerk also issues summonses and subpoenas to witnesses ordering them to appear in court.The clerk issues marriage licenses, records, maintains oaths of offices, election duties, keeps a record of all judgments, orders and decrees of the court.The clerk also must certify and attest to complete transcripts of court proceedings involving title to property, the imposition of prison sentences and in all court cases where a complete court record is required.The clerk, in the presence of the jury commissioners, draws the names of prospective jurors for juries and issues summonses to prospective jurors.The clerk collects court costs, fines and money judgments levied by the court. In the case of a money judgment, the clerk pays the money to the person or entity entitled to the judgment. In recent years, the collection of child support has become a major responsibility of the clerk’s office.Term: 4 years -- 2 terms or 8 years of service in a period of 12 yearsSalary: $68,666 per year
Biographical Information
What is your definition of a good public servant?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What qualities and/or experience do you have that make you the best candidate for this office?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What do you feel is the greatest challenge facing the scope and duties of this office and how would you address this challenge?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What changes, if any, will you make in the operation of this office? Will you make any changes in personnel?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
Campaign (Public) Email Address
KensellForClerk@gmail.com
Occupational history and current position
Previously: Deputy Clerk - Terre Haute City Clerk's Office Currently: Deputy Clerk, Assistant Supervisor - Vigo County Clerk's Office
What is your definition of a good public servant?
Being a good public servant means to be a good steward of what the public has elected you to manage. For the clerk's office, this means maintaining Vigo County's extensive collection of court records, as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations of the county's six superior courts and two juvenile courts. The Vigo County Clerk is also tasked with the responsibility of ensuring all elections in our county are efficient, accurate, and accessible to all citizens that want to be a part of the process. A good public servant understands that they serve at the will of the people, public servants should do what is necessary for the citizens not what is necessary for their own political gain.
What qualities and/or experience do you have that make you the best candidate for this office?
My experience with local government began in the Terre Haute City Clerk's Office where I worked as a deputy clerk and began forging professional relationships with the offices of city government. In 2021, I accepted a position with the Vigo County Clerk's Office. During my time with the clerk's office, I have gained extensive knowledge of the superior courts' functions and the election process. My election duties include overseeing candidate filings, maintaining security of early voting, mail-in, and travel board ballots, as well as ensuring candidate compliance with campaign finance laws. While working closely with elections and the court system, I have developed good working relationships with many elected officials and county department heads. The qualities that make me the best candidate for Vigo County Clerk are my communication skills, adaptability, and my dedication to serve my community to the best of my ability.
What do you feel is the greatest challenge facing the scope and duties of this office and how would you address this challenge?
The greatest challenge facing the duties of the Vigo County Clerk are the everchanging laws, both state and federal, surrounding elections and the processes involved in them. It is important to have a county clerk that can keep up with this wildly evolving landscape while also having the ability to convey these changes in an accessible, easy to understand manner. I would address this challenge by prioritizing public education and outreach to guarantee that the public is well informed on all issues that may impact their experience.
What changes, if any, will you make in the operation of this office? Will you make any changes in personnel?
Operational and personnel changes can be expected with any new administration. I believe that all operations of the office and all personnel should be thoroughly and fairly reviewed before any major changes are made. However, with any major decision I will be sure to have the public's best interest in mind.
Biographical Information
What is your definition of a good public servant?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What qualities and/or experience do you have that make you the best candidate for this office?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What do you feel is the greatest challenge facing the scope and duties of this office and how would you address this challenge?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What changes, if any, will you make in the operation of this office? Will you make any changes in personnel?
Candidate has not yet responded.