By SALINA POST
In the days leading up to the Aug. 6 Primary Election, check Salina Post for profiles introducing the community to the candidates running for public office.
Salina Post sent questionnaires to the candidates asking for biographical information, initiatives they hope to champion, and changes they would like to see made.
If you live outside of Saline County check with your local elections officer for election deadlines.
📢 Early Voting Has Begun! 🗳️
Head over to the City-County Building at 300 W Ash Street in Salina to cast your vote early.
🗓️ Schedule:
Mon-Fri: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday, Aug 3: 9 AM - 4 PM
Monday, Aug 5: 8 AM - 12 PM
Get ahead of the crowd and avoid the Election Day rush. Saline County’s friendly election workers are ready to assist you.
🗳️ Want to see a sample ballot? Visit myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView to get yours.
Candidate Questions
Full name: Michelle Newell
Age: 49
Current Occupation: Register Specialist
Educational background: High school and attended college at Kansas State University - Salina
Professional Experience: 18 years in the Saline County Register of Deeds Office
Qualifications
As an employee of Saline County, I take pride in working hard for the taxpayers, and being at work early each day. While working in our office the past 18 years, I have gained valuable knowledge about land records. I know how to quickly and accurately utilize our resources to find information for various companies, as well as the public. Over the past nearly 2 decades I have learned the in’s and out’s of how our office runs. I am adaptable to the needs of the office, as well as being flexible by filling in gaps to keep our office running smoothly and efficiently.
Why are you running?
I have 18 years of hands-on learning and development in the Register of Deeds Office. Upon being elected, I plan on continuing to build on the foundation that has been laid. I want to continue to learn and grow as much as I possibly can, including teaching and training our staff to make great decisions. Our office works with key stakeholders (abstractors, banks and other county departments, as well as the public) to ensure the needs of the community are being met, while maintaining compliance with state statutes.
What is your #1 issue you’d like to address as Register of Deeds?
We must continue to learn more about fraud as it continues to evolve. Our team must also continue to find ways to improve efficiency, while following state statutes. I will provide trade relevant educational opportunities for all members of our team. As an elected leader, I will be committed to creating an environment that fosters learning, as well as personal development. We will accomplish all of this by utilizing funds already at our disposal, with no additional cost to the taxpayers.