The following op-ed is written by Kenton Co. Clerk Gabrielle Summe, a candidate for reelection in the Republican primary on May 17
I have been your County Clerk for 12 years. I am running for re-election because there is always more to be accomplished for the citizens of Kenton County. There are several on-going projects that I oversee that will continue to enhance and streamline the services that the office provides. I work hard every day to earn the trust of the citizens. I strive for that trust by conducting the citizens’ business as a fiscal conservative.
The County Clerk’s office is the business office for the county and has three major responsibilities: Auto, Real Estate and Elections. I use my legal degree and business experience to streamline the everyday business of the clerk’s office. And I am proud of my accomplishments over the last 12 years in all these departments.
I am proud of my staff. In September of 2019, we moved the Covington office to the new County Government Center at 1840 Simon Kenton Way. There was never an interruption in our service to the public. In March 2020, the pandemic hit, and we kept working, open to the public and finding innovative ways to serve the county.
In the Real Estate Department, I upgraded the land records software to allow easier online access for the public. This upgraded software also allows for e-recording of real estate documents. I applied for and utilized grants from the Kentucky Department of Library and Archives to scan and digitize the county’s real estate records. I am currently working on digitizing and indexing the county’s records back to 1840, the year Kenton County was established. This preserves our history.
In the Auto Department, whether you are renewing or transferring a vehicle, I established a check in station for customers to have their paperwork reviewed before entering the line. I implemented a text queueing system to help alleviate the long lines created by the pandemic. In addition to this, I work with the Department of Transportation to offer more online services. This respects your time.
In the Elections Department, I work with a committed bi-partisan Board of Elections and over 600 poll workers, from the fabric of our community, to provide fair and honest elections. I am committed to ensuring that all Kenton County voters have the opportunity to vote and that their vote counts. There have been many questions about the integrity of elections over the last couple years. I work with the State Board of Elections to review and update voter rolls as directed by statute. As the elections laws change, I will strive to inform voters of these changes. I will always follow that law in protecting your vote. Your elections are secure.
I am pro-life and pro-family. I am proud to be endorsed by Kentucky Right to Life and Northern Kentucky Right to Life.
I will continue to work hard for the citizens of Kenton County and I am asking for your vote on May 17th.
Sincerely,
Gabrielle Summe