Stafford Trying to Restore Faith in Clerk’s Office

Jackson County Clerk Brandon Stafford said his goal is to restore the public’s faith in the Clerk’s office.

Stafford was elected to a full term as County Clerk in Thursday’s election. He said he knows it will take a lot of work to restore the public’s confidence.

“Basically getting all these audit number correct,” Stafford said. “And making sure everything that’s going to the bank is getting there like it’s supposed to and that noting goes amiss, basically.”

Stafford assumed the Clerk’s office after Amanda Stafford resigned in May. She was convicted later that month of two counts of theft and sentenced to 2-years probation.

Stafford beat out a field of five other candidates. He defeated his nearest opponent, Mary Crowder, by over 300 votes.

Stafford said it felt good to have the support of the voters.

“It felt good but scary all at the same time,” Stafford said. “All-in-all, it feels good. I know there’s a lot of responsibility people are asking from me, and I’m going to try to fill that responsibility to the best of my ability.”

Getting the office back to running smoothly is a goal Stafford said he has. He said a lot of that can be done by setting up good procedures.

“We have to treat everybody the same that comes in here, no matter what walk of life,” Stafford said. “We have to be good to everybody. And we have to make those daily deposits like we’re supposed to. We have to work hard, and I believe, that right there, will bring a lot of good faith from the people.”