Letter to Editor: Gilbert announces candidacy for Saguache County Clerk and Recorder

Editor,

I am announcing my candidacy for re-election to the office of Saguache County Clerk & Recorder.

The Clerk & Recorder’s office is responsible for the custody and preservation of all documents received for Recording; Motor Vehicle transactions such as titling and registration; Elections; Liquor Licenses; Marriage Licenses, Board of Equalization, Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, and map scanning - to name a few. 

One of my first goals back in 2018 was to offer Online Motor Vehicle Registration Renewals.  That service went live on January 21, 2018.  The DMV’s improved range of online services make it easy to skip the trip.  There are now 17 Motor-V services and 17 driver license services offered online.

We had to brace for major changes in elections by mailing primary ballots to unaffiliated voters for the first time EVER.  With every year comes new legislation and new challenges.

In the recording department, we have now digitized all records dating back to the 1800’s.  These records will be viewable online once the indexing has been completed.

We are urging schools to register students to vote and get involved in the community they are about to become part of.  We have an appreciation for our student election judges who participated in the election process.

I would like to compliment our team THE-AWE-SOME-ONES-! – Desiree, Ben, Dominique, Rebecca and Miranda for their demanding work, tireless effort, and everyday enthusiasm.  They worked through very trying times, including a global pandemic.  100% of staff, including myself, is certified in elections and 100% of staff is cross-trained to perform all functions.  This dynamic team is highly trained and skilled in all tasks.  Their critical work is key to our success.

As far as my experience, I worked in the Clerk & Recorder’s office for six years (including 2022), five of which I served as the County Clerk.  Prior to working in Saguache County, I worked in county government in another county for 18 years and have other related experience:  I was Office Manager for two family-owned businesses to include payroll and accounts payable; worked at the Post Office, which by the way, is much more than putting a stamp on an envelope; and was Assistant Manager at the local store.

I believe my skills in diversity promote creativity, productivity and growth and enable a broadening of existing concepts.  I note areas where the Clerk’s areas of emphasis and my areas of expertise overlap.  I have applied for and received nearly a half-million dollars in grant funds for improvements to our office and services to the community.

I have always been community-oriented:

  • Current member of Colorado County Clerk’s Association (CCCA)
  • Currently Vice-Chairman of the CCCA Southern Region
  • Appointed by the Secretary of State to the Electronic Recording Technology Board (ERTB)
  • ERTB Grant Committee Member
  • Appointed to the ERTB Evaluation Committee
  • 4-H leader
  • Political Committee Chairperson and Delegate to the National Convention
  • Community Club officer,
  • National Australian Cattle Dog Club of America Treasurer,
  • Volunteer Firefighter,
  • Rodeo Committee Member,
  • Member of Colorado Association of Permit Technicians, Inc.,
  • Director of the Saguache County Museum and currently a member of the Museum Board of Directors,
  • Member of Saguache County Farm Bureau Board of Directors

Bottom line – I will do whatever it takes to get the job done!  I would appreciate your support for the office of Saguache County Clerk & Recorder, where our team strives to put citizens and services first, with a professional presence in a friendly atmosphere.

Trish Gilbert

Saguache County