Two candidates are vying for Pettis County Clerk in the Aug. 4 Primary Election.
Jessi Capkovic and Sherry Painter-Torres are running for the position, which is currently held by Megan Page, in the Republican Primary.
The Democratic Primary does not include a candidate.
Why are you running for office?
Capkovic: I am running for Pettis County Clerk because I love my job. Our community deserves a leader who is honest, experienced, and committed to serving every citizen with integrity. When the County Commission appointed me as Interim County Clerk until the Governor’s appointment,,I then realized I knew far more than I give myself credit for. I gained firsthand knowledge of all the responsibilities the Clerk’s office holds. I understand the trust the public holds in the County Clerk's Office, and I take that responsibility seriously.
Through my involvement in our schools, youth organizations, and community, I've developed a deep appreciation for the people. I'm running because I want to continue serving the community I love. I want to build on the work we have accomplished, and ensure the Clerk's Office continues to move in the right direction and remains a safe and transparent office.
Painter-Torres: I love the election process. I started working elections under Clerk Nick La Strada as part of his Bi-Partisan Resolution team and worked my way up to being his Deputy Clerk. I have heard so many folks say that local elections don't matter or the election process is rigged. So, many years ago when I served on the Resolution team we were doing a recount of a city council race (I am pretty sure it was LaMonte, but that has been many elections ago) as we are required to do per Missouri Statute. The final result of the race was one (1) vote. So, I have seen first hand how votes, ALL votes, matter. I want all of Pettis County to get out and vote. The vote is how we, the people, get our point across of what we want. While elections take up a good part of the County Clerk position, it is not the entire position. There are many other duties to perform as County Clerk. Keeping county records, placing, taking information and recording bids for the county, issuing county liquor licenses and notary commissions, to name a few. I excel in keeping all of the county business and records up to date and kept in a manner that is easy to access when we need to look back for something.
What are your qualifications?
Capkovic: My qualifications include my current hands-on experience, educational background, and years of community leadership. My current and consistent roles in the office for almost 4 years have kept me current and up to date with the county and election/clerk world. My main focus of my job has been in election administration, record management, and complying with state laws and statutes. My business degree has helped shape my skills in administration, organization, and leadership. I am currently working toward my Show-Me Certification for Election Officials to expand my knowledge of Elections and ensure Pettis County continues the best practices for elections.
In addition, I've spent more than a decade serving local non-profit organizations in our community. Serving on the executive board of the PTA (Parent Teacher Association), on the Paul Klover Soccer Association (PKSA) Board, and as the Administrator of Revolution Futbol Club has taught me the importance of accountability, teamwork, and public service.
Painter-Torres: I have a degree from CMSU (yes it was Central Missouri State University when I attended), I have an AAS from State Fair Community College. I have taken classes and webinars with the Secretary of State, Missouri Ethics Commission, Missouri Auditor, DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) and Missouri Tax Commission.
I started working elections when Nick La Strada was elected to office, over 10 years ago. I worked my way up from working elections to being a full time employee and his Deputy Clerk. He made absolutely certain I could perform all aspects of County Clerk.
What would be your top priorities in office?
Capkovic: My top priority in the office is to finish what Megan and I started last year. Continuing to clean up our voter rolls is at the top. We had people in our voter rolls that moved 10+ years ago and people who haven’t voted in 20+ years. I would also continue to organize records by transferring them into an organized system for our hard copies and then digitizing those copies to make it easier and quicker to find when requested. Lastly, continue to work with our GIS coordinator and our other taxing entities to ensure our maps align and our voting codes match.
Painter-Torres: Administering fair and secure elections
Maintaining and preserving permanent vital records of Pettis County
Streamline the process for auctioneer licenses, county liquor licenses and notary commissions
Administrative support of Pettis County Commission
What goals do you have for office if you are elected?
Capkovic: My goal is to continue to build on the strong foundation we have built by improving efficiency, maintaining transparency, and ensuring every election is conducted with the highest level of integrity. While working hand in hand with Megan to train her I have had to build my knowledge in aspects of the job I was not completely confident with prior. Our goals were the same and we have already started to work towards those. Each of us in the office have been taking a task and working on it during down time. Kiley’s been working on sending out address verification notices, Veronica’s been working on organizing ordinance’s making them more accessible by digitizing them, I have been working on election files, if we are beyond our retainment period, those files get boxed for commission approval to destroy. Then Megan has been researching the state statutes to ensure we are in compliance with the law.
Painter-Torres: Improve accuracy of Pettis County voter rolls. Steadily increase voter turnout for every election. Improve voter education, not just for the high schools in Pettis, but all ages. Streamline county record keeping process.
Why should people vote for you?
Capkovic: People should vote for me because I am the most consistent and honest person for the job. My years of service are consistent and consecutive. I am the only candidate that currently works in the office and in our job field. This not only gives me the real experience our office needs, but it also gives me the upper hand in knowing the most current and up to date laws regarding the job. I will continue to work hard for the citizens of Pettis County because I care deeply about ensuring things are done in an honest, clear and transparent way. Being a very detail-oriented person, I take pride in the work I do and how I carry myself. I am always willing to listen to anyone that has questions, concerns, or ideas that could make the office run more smoothly and efficiently.
Painter-Torres: I am the one who will bring professionalism and integrity back to the County Clerk's office and I have the education, skills and drive to make it happen. I had the greatest mentor (Nick La Strada) to teach me the Clerk's job inside and out. It is a job I want to do because my Dad, (Nelson Painter), my father-in-law (Jesus Torres) and many family members served this great country to secure our rights. I want to honor my family and do my part by ensuring that Pettis County, Missouri, has the most accurate and fair voting process. Our US Constitution ensures all citizens a private vote, and under my administration that is what they will get. They will be treated as equals, with honesty and courtesy. I am the one that will keep the residents informed during my time in office, there will be transparency not secrecy. I am here to serve the county I love and all the residents.
Compiled by Chris Howell.
