Incumbent clerk faces challenge

Pauletta Gerver, who has been Red Willow County's clerk, register of deeds and election commissioner for eight years, has been challenged by former employee Cheryl Leitner.

Each has responded to these questions from the Gazette:

1. Why do you want to be Red Willow County Clerk?

2. What personal and professional qualities, characteristics and skills do you possess that will help you fulfill the duties and responsibilities of county clerk?

3. Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

4. What do you want Red Willow County residents to know about you?

PAULETTA GERVER

Age: 53

Address: 1608 W. Third

Occupation: Red Willow County Clerk, register of deeds and election commissioner

Family: Husband, Ray; six adult children and three grandchildren

1. I want to be Red Willow County Clerk because it has been my elected position for the past eight years. I am honored to serve and am dedicated to fulfilling my responsibilities to the best of my ability. The customer is the most important person in our office, and my staff and I are committed to going above and beyond the call of duty to maintain a courteous, helpful attitude in all our affairs.

2. I have attended annual county clerks' workshops and have worked closely with state offices in fulfilling my duties as county clerk, register of deeds and election commissioner. I have earned the respect of my peers, as I have served on the executive board of the state association for the past three years. I am currently president-elect of the Nebraska Association of County Clerks, Registers of Deeds and Election Commissioners.

3. I am an optimist. I believe that during the next four years, I will grow in wisdom and knowledge, and that I will be more successful in my leadership responsibilities in the county clerk's office. This is my first experience in a supervisory position, and it's not an easy task to be a "boss." I believe that I have the creativity and ingenuity to manage the wide range of tasks performed in the county clerk's office. I am open to the constant change that technology and new laws provide and am always thinking of better ways of doing things in my office.

4. I have a bachelor's degree in education, and much of my time in the office is spent teaching, either the customers or my staff. I was hired by County Attorney Mike Freeman in 1987, and was invited to apply for a position in the county clerk's office in 1991. Phyllis Lebsack trained me to replace her when she retired. I competed with four other candidates in the 1994 election for the office of county clerk and took office in January 1995.

CHERYL LEITNER

Age: 35

Address: 909 E. First

Occupation: Clerk in the county treasurer's office

Family: Husband, Deon; children, Sarah, Rachel and Spencer.

1. I feel this is an opportunity and privilege that will allow me to serve the residents of Red Willow County. I have a close attachment to our community, as I was born and raised in McCook, graduating from McCook High School and McCook Community College. In today's world, things change on a constant basis. The county clerk needs to be informed and confident that when things change she and her office staff have the knowledge to answer correctly or not be afraid to ask for help from the appropriate people. This instills confidence that the office is following state rules and regulations. I know that I will follow the rules, be informed and do the job to the best ability possible.

2. I want the citizens to know I have over 15 years experience in the accounting field, which includes working in the county clerk's office as well as the county treasurer's office. While working in the clerk's office, I was in charge of all accounts payable, payroll and I helped the budget clerk with the budgets and set levies, as well as sharing duties with the other employees, including registration of voters, issuing motor vehicle titles and accepting legal documents for recording. Working with the budget involves working with the other county officials and department heads, and knowing how their individual offices pertain to the entire courthouse budget. Working on the levies, allows you to know the different subdivisions of the county and how their levies are shared. I feel that the county clerk should be active in working on all aspects of the clerk's office.

3. I am optimist that this election can be a turning point in the county clerk's office. People should be able to come to the clerk's office and sense a general feeling that the employees are happy and knowledgeable and they are confident in their work. I know that I can inspire this feeling in the staff and the citizens of the county.

4. I want the citizens to know that I am 100 percent dedicated to winning this election and to giving them what is expected from any county official. I feel that my experience working in an accounting office before coming to the clerk's office, taught me to be thorough, to follow the rules and to be confident in what I am doing. I would like to thank all my supporters and to let the people know I will do the best job for them.