Grand County Candidate Questionnaires – Sara L. Rosene, County Clerk and Recorder, incumbent

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Sara L. Rosene - County Clerk and Recorder, incumbent
Sara L. Rosene – County Clerk and Recorder, incumbent

How long have you lived in Grand County?
42 years

Background–
I have served as Grand County Clerk and Recorder for 27 years. In that time, I have worked in all areas of the motor vehicle office and understand the complexities of both the laws and the system used in Colorado counties. Prior to being elected Clerk and Recorder, I worked several years as a title examiner and use that experience to ensure that we maintain an accurate and complete public record. I continue to provide protection to the fragile historical documents entrusted to my care. In my capacity as Clerk and Recorder, I serve as the Chief Election Official for Grand County and have successfully administered over 50 elections as well as contracted for or served as an advisor in a number of local elections.

Why do you want this office?
Serving as the County Clerk and Recorder is definitely a calling for me. Helping citizens successfully navigate through State Rules as well as State and Federal Laws is rewarding. Each area of responsibility of the Clerk and Recorder has many opportunities to serve. In Motor Vehicle, my team and I work to ensure that paperwork is correct so that people can legally own, operate, and transfer vehicles. In the Driver License Division my team and I work to ensure that individuals have the necessary items that will allow them to hold proof of identification or to legally operate a vehicle. In the Real Estate Recording Division, we catalog and retain records vital to our citizens as well as provide

the service of issuing marriage and civil union licenses. In Elections, we help protect the right we all hold so dear – the right to vote! We register voters, protect voter records, ensure that every voter has the opportunity to vote independently and privately, and ensure elections are run fairly with integrity and transparency. All of what we do is service – and I love it!

What is your political affiliation, and what your core political beliefs?
Political affiliation – Republican. The role of Clerk and Recorder is not about partisan politics. The Clerk needs to have the experience and qualifications necessary to lead this office. With that said, I am a fiscal conservative who believes that we need to have a government that is efficient with our tax dollars. Every year, I have a very conservative office budget. I believe that people have the right to expect limited government intrusion. My team and I work to assure that our citizens can navigate through our complex laws to obtain the service they want.

What are the biggest issues facing the office you are seeking?
The increasing number of rules, and the statutory and constitutional changes annually that affect the Clerk and Recorder’s Office and, therefore, our citizens. Though constitutional and statutory changes are often necessary, most are unfunded and create challenges for our citizens. Fortunately, my team and I have a solid base of knowledge to find cost-effective and creative solutions to meet the needs of our citizens.

What would your first short term goals be if elected?
Institute a scheduling system to allow citizens to schedule services in the Clerk and Recorder’s Office; specifically Motor Vehicle and Driver Licenses. It is not unusual to have citizens try to transact business in Hot Sulphur Springs on a lunch hour or break time from work. Scheduling appointments would help customers transact on their schedule.

What long-term goals would you have for the office if elected?
To get greater participation in our election process. As Americans, we don’t always exercise our right to vote. Our participation as voters shapes our future as a country. Voting is such a precious gift given to us by our country’s founders and protected by our military and we should not squander it. With more and more voters moving away from political party affiliation, it is important for the Chief Election Official of the County to actively engage voters, no matter their affiliation.

What ideas do you have for developing Grand County’s economy?
Encouraging the use of our current on-line services which help with efficiencies and support a changing economy. The Clerk and Recorder on-lines services include: GoVoteColorado. com; myDMV.colorado.gov; and GrandVotes.org

What would you like voters to know about you?
On a personal level, I believe in service to my community. I am an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Kremmling. I served as a crisis volunteer with the Advocates for nine years. I also served on its Board of Directors. I am past-president and member of the Kremmling Rotary Club. I am a board member of the Grand County Historical Association.
For my Association. During my 27 years as Clerk and Recorder, I have served as the President of the Colorado County Clerks Association. I also served as the Legislative Co-Chair for the Association testifying on proposed legislation at the Capital. I have served and continue to serve on a number of committees that directly affect the work we do in the clerk’s office. I was appointed by then Secretary of State Donetta Davidson to the first Certified Election Official Certification Committee and continue to serve on that committee. I served for 10 years as the Co-Chair and then Chair of the Colorado State Title and Registration System (CSTARS) Committee which oversees a budget of over $12 million. I served on the DRIVES Governance Committee which was the transition Committee from CSTARS to DRIVES, the new motor vehicle registration system in Colorado.

For our citizens. When the Department of Revenue was working to move its Driver License Office out of Grand County, I was pleased that we took on that work for our citizens with no additional personnel to Grand County while bringing in additional revenue.

At my request, Grand County was one of the first counties to accept credit cards for motor vehicle transactions and to offer the Gov2Go app.
At my request, Grand County was the first county to test and accept additional internet security programs provided by the Secretary of State. Grand County is frequently requested to test important voting related programs due to our proficiency and our willingness to help improve access to voting for our citizens.

I have proven experience and leadership. I ask for your vote on November 6.
Contact information

Phone: 970-724-3357
Email: sara.rosene@gmail.com

The 2018 Grand County elections will see contenders for Grand Commissioner District 3, Grand County Clerk and Recorder and Surveyor. In the race for Commissioner incumbent, Kristen Manguso is being challenged by William Thompson. For Clerk and Recorder, Martin Woros is challenging incumbent Sara Rosene. Lastly, Surveyor Warren Ward is being challenged by Jeanette Lautrell. For purposes of this questionnaire, the incumbent is presented first.

It is also an election for the offices of Grand County Treasurer, Grand County Sheriff, and Grand County Coroner but no other candidates came forward to run for those offices.

The mail-in ballots will be sent on October 15 and can be returned at a variety of locations around the county, County controlled drop boxes are in the Grand County Administration Building in Hot Sulphur Springs, Granby Town Hall, Grand Park Community Recreation Center in Fraser, and Grand Lake Town Hall. They can also be dropped personally at the Grand County Administration Building during business hours and on Saturdays, October 27 and November 3, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. On election day, Tuesday, November 6, ballots can be dropped off from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.