George Stern, candidate for Clerk and Recorder

Party: Democrat

City: Golden

Profession: Attorney and business consultant; volunteer firefighter

Campaign Website: www.GeorgeSternforColorado.com or facebook.com/GeorgeSternforColorado

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for Clerk because local government has never been more important than it is today, given the gridlock and partisanship we see at higher levels. The Clerk's office is the perfect place to make sure local government is working for everyone because it oversees areas that impact everyone, including elections and the DMV. I'll use my experience as a business consultant and an attorney to modernize the office and improve our local government.

What is the position's most important duty?

The Clerk's most important duty is to make sure local government is working efficiently and transparently for everyone. That means a 21st-century DMV where you rarely need to come in and wait in line because you can do almost everything from a 24-hour kiosk at the grocery store, or better yet, from your smart phone while sitting on the couch watching a Broncos game. It also means updating election security to protect against modern threats.

How would you best achieve that duty?

I've worked as a business consultant for Fortune 500 companies, as well as small businesses and non-profits, to help them improve their strategies and operations, and I'm excited to bring that experience to modernizing the DMV and other areas of local government. I've also served as an attorney in the public sector, working side-by-side with tech security experts on election issues, and I'm eager to bring that knowledge to our all-important elections here in Jeffco.

What would be your top priority if elected?

My top priority is to modernize and innovate in this office to better serve the people of Jefferson County. Our incumbent clerk was first elected in the 1990s. In my professional work as a consultant, I've learned that businesses that haven't changed since the 1990s are no longer in business. It's time for a change here in Jeffco, and I'm excited to use my experience to make sure local government is delivering for everyone.

Would you be in favor of making Election Day a holiday?

Yes.