Lloyd, Manning seek Clinton Co. clerk post

PLATTSBURGH | Two candidates are running for election as Clinton County clerk, a four-year term. Democrat Brandi Lloyd and Republican Jerika Manning are on the ballot. The Sun asked candidates for biographical information and presented the same questions to each. Election Day is Nov. 4 with early voting open Oct. 25 at the John H. Zurlo Government Center on Margaret Street. Candidate profiles are presented in alphabetical order. Brandi Lloyd Party Affiliation: Democratic Age: 52 Education: State University of New York (SUNY) at Plattsburgh, Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications; Clinton Community College, Associate of Arts; Chazy Central Rural School, Class of '92. Occupation: Clinton County Board of Elections, deputy commissioner (2016-present). Previous Government/Civic experience: Joint Council for Economic Opportunity of Clinton and Essex Counties, Inc., member, Board of Directors; chairwoman, Clinton County Democratic Committee, 2022 to present; town clerk, Town of Mooers, 2013-2016. What is the most pressing challenge facing the county in the coming term? The most pressing challenge facing Clinton County, specifically speaking to the Office of County Clerk, is making sure our clerk's Office keeps up with the needs of the people. Whether it's recording a deed, getting a license, applying for a pistol permit or filing important documents, residents expect the process to be clear, efficient, and dependable. Too often, government offices can feel intimidating or outdated, and that adds stress to what should be a straightforward task. How will you address it? I know this firsthand. As a former town clerk and tax collector, I've seen how even small improvements in communication and organization can make a big difference for the people standing on the other side of the counter. And through my years at the Board of Elections, I've managed budgets, trained staff, and coordinated hundreds of employees — always with the goal of making the process fair, transparent, and accessible to everyone. My approach as county clerk will be the same: Listen to people, modernize where it makes sense, and never lose sight of the human side of this office. I believe this position demands professionalism over politics. The clerk's office is not about partisanship — it's about service, accuracy, and trust. Residents should feel confident that their records are handled with care, their time is respected, and their needs come first. By combining my professional experience with my personal commitment to service, I will ensure the clerk's office is efficient, welcoming, and responsive. My goal is simple: to make this office one that the people of Clinton County can rely on, every single day, without question or concern. That's why I'm running for county clerk — to serve our community with professionalism, integrity, and respect. Jerika Mae Manning Party Affiliation: Republican, Conservative Age: 33 Education: Chateauguay Valley Regional High School, Bilingual Diploma 2009; CEGEP Champlain St. Lambert, Social Studies diploma, 2012; Concordia University, certificate in Human Relations/Community Service, 2013; CEGEP John Abbott College, professional degree in Youth & Adult Correctional Intervention. Occupation: Self-employed business owner - Log Procurement Previous Government/Civic experience: Member, Mooers Board of Assessment Review; member, Mooers Zoning Board of Appeals, member, Dannemora Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee; NYSGOP State Committee Woman; chairwoman, Clinton County Republican Committee. Community: committee member, Rouses Point Stars and Stripes Committee; executive officer, North Country Honor Flight; co-founder, Memorial Day Community Car Show, Altona; co-founder and director, Ladies of Liberty US Ltd. What is the most pressing challenge facing the county in the coming term? From the perspective of the clerk's office, the biggest challenge is service efficiency. Residents should not have to deal with long waits, slow processing, or unnecessary red tape when accessing basic services such as the DMV. How will you address it? Improving efficiency starts with putting people first. The clerk's office isn't just about paperwork — it's about service. That means investing in better systems, streamlining processes and making sure staff are supported so they can provide prompt, courteous assistance. It also means creating an environment where every person who walks through the door feels respected and valued. By focusing on shorter wait times, clearer communication, and more reliable processing, we can make the clerk's office a place that works the way it was meant to: efficiently and with the community at the center. I have spent a significant portion of the last 10 years focusing on streamlining processes, being efficient and putting the community first both in my business and within the community organizations that I am a part of. I look forward to continuing to do this work in the county clerk's office.

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Lloyd, Manning seek Clinton Co. clerk post

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