By Louise Stine, Berrien County Clerk

After serving as the Berrien County clerk for 22 years, I have decided to retire. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve the citizens of Berrien County, and, over these years, I have worked to develop a modern, efficient and effective department that serves the people of our county fairly and competently.

I was naturally concerned about the office, the staff and the service to the pubic after my retirement, so I was more than pleased to learn Sharon Tyler had announced her candidacy for the position of Berrien County clerk.

Having known Sharon for almost 30 years, I have known her to be intelligent, a person of integrity and someone who truly understands the definition of “public servant;” I am looking forward to Sharon being my successor. She will continue to maintain the excellent relationships this office has with the public, the locally elected officials and with all the members of our county government. Knowing this has assured me that I have made the right decision to retire. I know that Sharon will continue to find ways in which to better serve the public while maintaining the fiscal responsibility that is a hallmark of her character.

The county clerk’s office has three distinct areas of responsibility: the management of all circuit court case files, to oversee all federal, state and local elections, registrar of vital records and clerk to several boards and commissions.

Sharon has the character, the strengths and the talents I know are essential to do this job. She understand the role, she knows how to get things accomplished, and, above all, she knows how to instill the trust of the voters who elect her to maintain the expertise needed to be a successful county clerk.

I am truly proud to be supporting Sharon Tyler for Berrien County clerk, and I encourage everyone to vote for Sharon on Nov. 6; she is the right choice for Berrien County.