County clerk withdraws candidacy

St. Joseph County Clerk/Register of Deeds Lindsay Oswald has opted to not seek re-election to a third, four-year term.

Oswald, 44, said she withdrew her candidacy Thursday, leaving Mendon Township’s Gina Everson as the only Republican candidate for the position in the Aug. 7 primary election.

Oswald succeeded 45-year county employee Pattie Bender as county clerk in June 2015. In all, the Lockport Township resident has worked for the county more than 11 years after spending 10 years with the city of Three Rivers.

A Saginaw County native, Oswald said simply it was time for a change professionally. Family also played a role in her decision, she said.

Oswald did not indicate what professional avenues she plans to explore after her term as county clerk concludes Dec. 31.

Everson, meanwhile, currently serves as chief deputy register under Oswald.