WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
St. Joseph County Clerk Pattie Bender announced Monday that she plans to file her petitions to seek the office of clerk and register of deeds in 2013.
The election for the newly combined offices is in November.
Bender, 61, was hired into the clerk’s office in 1970 and has served as county clerk since 1991. She is completing her fifth, four-year term.
Bender’s salary as county clerk is about $58,500.
She said her decision to run for another four-year term was based on the fact 2013 marks the first time the county clerk and register of deeds will be overseen by one person. Bender said her experience as clerk could help make for a smooth transition once the dual-post goes into effect on Jan. 1.
