There are only two GOP candidates for the Kingfisher County Court Clerk’s job and no Democrats filed, so that job will be decided at the Tuesday, June 18, primary election.

The newly-elected clerk will not take office until January 2025 when they start their four-year term in office.

Jessica M. Conner, 36, has lived in Kingfisher all of her life and was born in Taylor, Texas.

She is currently the Kingfisher County Court Clerk First Deputy, and has worked there since 2013. She worked at the Kingfisher Regional Hospital from 2007-13.

Her husband, Jeremy Conner, is a truck driver and they have three children: Damion, 16; Emily, 14; and Elexa, 12.

She graduated from Kingfisher High School in 2007 and attended administrative assistant classes a Chisholm Trail Technology Center in 2006-07.

She is a member of the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Kingfisher.

This is her first time to run for a public office.

Lauren E. Stroh, 33, has lived in Okarche all her life and was born in Oklahoma City.

She is currently the Canadian County Court Clerk Domestic Deputy Clerk and has worked there eight years.

She worked from 2011-16 at the Trinity Lutheran Early Childhood.

Her husband, Zachary Stroh, is a self-employed farmer and rancher.

Stroh graduated from Okarche High School in 2009 and she received a bachelor’s in general studies from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2015.

She is a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Holy Trinity Altar Society, Pistol Pinnys HCE and Okarche Elementary TAPS.

This is her first time to run for a public office.

Longtime County Court Clerk Lisa Markus did not file for re-election. She announced her retirement in April.

QUESTIONS FOR CANDIDATES

In your words, define the job description of Court Clerk.

Conner: “All of the workings of the judicial system from first filing of cases throughout the entire process. The court clerk is the office administrator over the other deputies inside of the office. Recording of cases from past, present and future. Ensure court dockets are ready for the judges that work in our county. Collect fines and costs from defendants cases, bond forfeitures. Working with all local and state law enforcement for various reasons such as cases, search and arrest warrants and court orders. Issuing marriage licenses and submitting passport applications daily. Ensure that the law library is maintained. Keeping of monthly and quarterly financial reports. Preparing daily deposits, reporting bonds, jury procedures, court minutes, appeal cases and community relations.”

Stroh: “The Court Clerk is essentially the record keeper of the court. We are to uphold the Supreme Court statutes and court rules on preserving the records. Making records easily accessible to the public, but also working with judges, bailiffs and court reporters; making sure they have what they need to ensure the court process runs smoothly for everyone.”

What work experience, or special training, do you have for this position?

Conner: “With over 10 years of experience in this office, starting as the fourth deputy. I have worked my way through multiple promotions to where I now serve as the first deputy. I have worked every division in the court clerk’s office, each bringing new roles. I have gained invaluable insights into the workings of our judicial system. Over the years I have attended the multi-day training, CODA (County Officers & Deputies Association of Oklahoma) several times, gaining more knowledge each year.”

Stroh: “I have worked in Canadian County Court Clerk’s office for eight years. Working in the Family Domestic Clerk position within the Civil Division has brought me knowledge of family law proceedings and protective order procedures. Working within the civil division, I am cross trained in probate, small claims, civil case filings over and under $10,000, foreclosure and condemnation cases. In any public service position, you must have compassion, patience and a willingness to be personable. Working in a high file, fast-paced county has enabled me to excel in this.”

Do you believe there are any problems in the court clerk’s office that voters should know about? If so, what?

Conner: “During my time working in the Kingfi sher County Court Clerk’s office I have not seen any issues or problems in our office. Nor any concerns brought to our attention. I will continue to run the office as my predecessor has. I will make sure to pour the knowledge I have gained over the years into the workings of this office. But I will always be open to questions and or concerns brought to my attention and ensure an open door policy.”

Stroh: “I’m not aware of any problems in the office. However, if elected my goal is that my office greets everyone with a smile and treats everyone with professionalism, be courteous and try our best to be accommodating.”

If elected, do you plan to make any staffing changes in the near future? If yes, explain why?

Conner: “No, I do not plan on making any staff changes if elected. We have an amazing staff that will continue to grow in the knowledge and experience in the office. The only changes would involve promoting a qualified individual to my current position and hiring a replacement for their role, ensuring that our team remains fully staffed and operational.”

Stroh: ‘I do not have any intention of making any staffing changes in the near future.”

If elected, what goals do you expect to accomplish during your term? Be specific.

Conner: I will continue to maintain a positive work environment committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, fairness and transparency in running the court clerk’s office. I will continue to ensure our court system is up to date in the most updated software available as we just received the new Keli Justice system in February 2024. I will make sure customer service is always being improved by providing comprehensive training to staff to improve customer service skills and legal knowledge. We will continue to go to court clerk school for our staff and any extra training hours that the OSU Extension offers throughout the year. I’ll implement a feedback mechanism system to collect and act on feedback from the public to continue to improve service.”

Stroh: “My goal is to have a great team environ-ment that excels in customer satisfaction and to continue making the records more accessible to the public as the statutes allow.”