Two candidates for Marion County Clerk both were on hand at eight Monday morning to file their nominating petitions and will now participate in a lottery to determine who will be first on the ballot.
Greg Wright and Zach Rose are both trying to replace current county clerk Steve Fox who is not running for re-election.
Wright explained his reason for running.
“I started working in the office and I found out that I really enjoyed the office,” Wright said. “Elections are a big part of the office, what we operate with, and I really enjoy that. The marriage license, death certificates and births certificates, I like those also, but being part of the election process, making sure that it’s fair, even, and correct, I hope to continue in that.”
Rose is looking forward to the opportunity to serve.
“I think it’s just time for younger people to get involved in politics and try to make a difference here in the county,” Rose said. “I was born and raised here. I care about the community, and I hope that we can make a change for the better.”
The lottery to determine the top ballot position has been set for 9:15 am on November 10th.
Also on hand as the filing process began was Marion County Treasurer Gary Purcell who will be seeking his third term.
“I really enjoy the real estate side of the offices,” Purcell said. “Taxes, and helping people with them as best I can. We’ve increased the number of credit card and online payments tremendously since I’ve started, from five hundred thousand to five million. We’re just continuing to look for things to make the office run more efficiently.”
Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps is seeking a second term, saying the first four years have been wonderful. He credits his staff, saying he has the best crew.
“We’ll just continue to fight crime and the SAFE-T Act,” Cripps said. “The SAFE-T Act is an absolute disaster in many ways. I’m not saying there’s not something good in there somewhere, but there are many things in the SAFE-T Act that need to be addressed and corrected. There are many people that are arrested multiple times and charged with multiple felonies. The SAFE-T Act has caused people to have more of a criminal history, in some aspects, than what they should.”
Cripps notes a lot of improvements have been made at the courthouse and jail during his first term.
Josh Dunahee was the lone person to file for a county board seat. He is seeking election to the District Three seat he was appointed.
“The message stays the same,” Dunahee said. “I’m very committed to the taxpayers of Marion County and will continue to be fiscally responsible in keeping taxes low and again look forward to serving our taxpayers and our constituents.”
The final day to file nominating petitions is next Monday, November 3rd.
Candidates Zach Rose and Greg Wright go through the process of filing for the election with current Marion County Clerk Steve Fox. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
