As mail-in ballots arrive in your mailbox KPCW is interviewing local candidates about their platforms. The race for Wasatch County Clerk/Auditor is a show-down between Republican Incumbent Brent Titcomb and Democratic challenger Jennifer Lee.
The Wasatch County Clerk/Auditor has two functions. The clerk aspect prepares, administers, processes, and maintains all countywide elections. The clerk issues marriage licenses and processes passports prepares agendas and takes minutes of the county commissioner meetings. The auditor part of the job administers the financial functions for the county. The Auditor is the budget officer and prepares and administers the countywide budget. The auditor also maintains records of all financial transactions, conducts reviews and internal audits, and issues financial statements and reports.
Current Wasatch County Clerk/Auditor Brent Titcomb explained that although he administers the elections he will not be alone in counting ballots, he will be aided by election judges that will maintain and control the ballots and members of the staff that will place the verified ballots in the machines.
Republican Incumbent Brent Titcomb explains why he’s running for office again.
“I have an interest in the county." Titcomb said, "I want to still represent the voters in Wasatch County and help them daily as they come into the office. I feel like I represent the people well and I do a good job at it.”
Titcomb’s challenger Democrat Jenifer Lee explains why she’s running.
“I’m very interested that our county is governed well and that we elect people that represent all of us." Lee continued, "I’m very interested in increasing voter turnout rate. I think we can do that by doing a better job of communicating with the voters. I approach the position more from a community organizing standpoint where the county clerk should be an advocate for voting and for civic engagement.”
Titcomb says his experience as the county clerk/auditor qualifies him for the position.
“I’ve been doing it for several years and I have experience with the county and how its grown." Titcomb explained, "I believe that I have the qualifications to continue to represent people because of my experience in the past. When I started the county was 10-15,000 people and its more than doubled since then. I have the experience working with growth and working with changes and I have that ability to help people from all areas of the country.”
Lee says her experience in the private sector has prepared her for her position.
“My career has been in real estate and in the nonprofit world." Lee said, "I have honed my skills in things like contract compliance, project management, customer service, financial management and I think those skills all translate nicely to this position.”
KPCW asked the candidates to differentiate themselves from their opponent.
“I know my opponent, she is very kind, but I believe that I have the knowledge. I know the people in the county." Titcomb continued, "I know that sounds crazy but I work also a second job in a grocery store and so I’ve kept current with people as they’ve moved in. I know a lot of people because of that and I know people because I work here at the county and I see them every day as they enter my office.”
Lee also points out differences between her and Titcomb.
“I approach the position as an advocate for increased citizen engagement." Lee explained, "Instead of just doing a job and doing it well I want to take it to the next level and make sure that the public is really aware of the importance of their vote and why they should be engaged in city council meetings, and county council meetings and most importantly in voting. I want to be very visible in the community about that process.”
Titcomb says he wants to continue to serve the people of Wasatch County.
“I have been honored to be able to serve the people of Wasatch County and it’s just a desire I have to continue to do that and to help the citizens to be able to vote to be able to see all the things that go on in the office." Titcomb said, "The transparency in our financials if anyone has questions we’ve always been here to show people or explain what’s going on with budgets and whatever it might be. I feel that I enjoy what I do, I like coming to work and I want to continue to do that.”
Lee says her connection to the county inspires her to serve.
“I grew up in the valley, raised my family there, I’m actually the fifth generation of my family to live there." Lee continued, "You know I have some deep roots and I care very much about our community. It’s a really great place to live but I do believe that a strong and healthy community has informed and engaged citizens. Everyone’s voice is important. Everybody should be a part of the discussions to make the decisions our county is facing.”
That’s Jennifer Lee, she’s the democratic candidate running for Wasatch County Clerk/Auditor. Her opponent is Republican Incumbent Brent Titcomb. For more election coverage in the Wasatch Back visit KPCW.org
