To help our community members make informed choices in the upcoming election, we asked candidates running for important local, state, and national seats to participate in our Forum to help you get to know them better. Today, meet Doreen Gardner.

As a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo, Doreen Gardner is seeking the position of Kalamazoo County Clerk with the hope to turn this “quiet yet influential place into a valuable resource for the economic growth of our community.” In this position, Doreen’s top priorities would include implementing convenient hours and customer service with exception hours to accommodate those working during normal business hours; making technological advancements to manage the integrity of our voting processes and vital records, and facilitating partnerships with other community groups to support communication and economic growth. Doreen also shared with us a few of her favorite books such as “The Bible,” “Leadershift,” “15 Laws of Invaluable Growth,” and “Uniquely You.” Her favorite music is from the 70s but right now she’s playing “Never Be Defeated” by Rich Tolbert Jr. Meet Doreen Gardner.

The Primary will be held on August 4. The general Election will be held on November 3. Doreen Gardner is seeking this seat as a Democrat.

NAME
Doreen Gardner

AFFILIATION
Democrat

POSITION SEEKING
Kalamazoo County Clerk

DISTRICT POSITION REPRESENTS
Kalamazoo County

EMAIL
doreen@doreengardner.com

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR RUNNING FOR OFFICE?

I am a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo, and I see the opportunity to turn a quiet yet influential place into a valuable resource for the economic growth of our community.

I have the skills, experience, community connections, and integrity to effectively and efficiently implement, strengthen, and transform the clerk’s office while providing time-sensitive, and equitable essential services to our community.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS ELECTED OFFICE?

• Implement convenient hours/customer service: having some exception hours that will accommodate those working normal business hours
• Make technological advancements, manage the integrity of our voting processes and vital records, implement a diversity and inclusion strategy, and protect against gerrymandering.
• Facilitate partnerships with other community groups to support communication and economic growth in our community.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESTRICTION OF THE OFFICE?

Before making any changes, I would observe and assess current practices and procedures.  Then, I would be able to better prioritize and/or re-evaluate my goals and formulate an implementation timeline and plan.  I believe in operating within established guidelines.  However, if there is a restriction/policy that impedes improvement, with collaboration, I will take the necessary steps to upgrade it.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY IF ELECTED?

The County Building is a place that at some point everyone must visit. Through collaboration with established County offices and organizations, I will seek ways we can be a complementary resource that will impact the economy and business growth/development in our County.

FAVORITE CAMPAIGN SONGS

My favorite music is from the 70s, however, my favorite song now is a Gospel Song—“Never Be Defeated” by Rich Tolbert Jr..

FAVORITE MOVIE

“Lion King” is my favorite.  I love movies where the outcome causes growth, and you are better because of the trauma.

FAVORITE BOOK

“The Bible”—it is full of many leadership and life principles. My second best favorites are self-help and development books: “Leadershift,” “15 Laws of Invaluable Growth,” and “Intentional Living” by John Maxwell; and “Uniquely You” by Ron Kitchens.

FAVORITE FOOD

Cobb salad or any salad bar with romaine lettuce offering lots and lots of topping options!  Oh yes, I love a great steak!