CASSOPOLIS — Monica Kennedy announced Wednesday she will seek the Office of Cass County Clerk/Register in the 2012 Primary and General Elections with the notice that Barbara Runyon will not seek re-election.

Kennedy has been with the county for nine years; beginning her time in the Information Systems Department and serving the past five as Chief Deputy of the Clerk/Register’s Office. Prior to Cass County, Kennedy worked at Cass District Library in both the Local History and Main Library Branches.
A lifetime resident of Cassopolis, Kennedy attended Cassopolis Public Schools before venturing to the University of Michigan for four years.
There she earned a bachelor of arts degree, participated in various clubs and community service organizations and was a member of the Michigan Marching Band.
After college, a love of family and close-knit community brought her home to Cassopolis, where she now resides with husband John and daughter Isabel, with a second baby expected in early September.
Public service runs in Kennedy’s family. Grandmother Carolyn Gorham served as Jefferson Township Treasurer several years while Uncle Larry Gorham was Undersheriff for current Sheriff Joseph Underwood.
Her mother, Cindy Peters, has been with the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office for more than 20 years.
Kennedy is also the great-niece of former County Clerk Kenneth Poe and looks forward to following in his footsteps as Cass County Clerk/Register.
“I am extremely fortunate to have worked directly with Clerk/Register Runyon over the past five years and am confident I have the skills and training necessary to take over as Cass County Clerk/Register. Barb has served the residents of Cass County well in her two terms of office and I look forward to pursuing several ongoing projects as well as leading the office into the future,” Kennedy said.