FORT SCOTT - Bourbon County's new clerk is already working the phones. Ann Clarkson was chosen over three other candidates in a 39-2 vote by Bourbon County Republican Party precinct committee members Tuesday night, filling the vacancy left by Susan Walker's resignation, and her selection now heads to Gov. Laura Kelly's desk for final approval before she can be sworn in.
"I've been here for forty years, and I believe we've owned a home for thirty-seven of that forty," she told the crowd at Tuesday's party convention, and has worked at the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office since 2016 as its Local Agency Data Security Officer, managing case files, records security compliance with state and federal criminal justice systems, and the office's own reporting for state and federal asset forfeiture funds. She has also owned a contracting business since 2000, led a local animal shelter as executive director from 2013 to 2016, spent more than a decade as a finance manager, and holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and human resource management from Columbia College.
Walker announced her resignation Aug. 10 amid a recall effort tied to errors in the office's handling of elections, then left the post for good Aug. 31. Deputy Clerk Michael Hoyt, one of the four finalists for the permanent job, along with Clarkson, Lisa Dillon and Rob Hodgkinson, has run the office in the meantime. "I've spent ten years at the sheriff's office. There's been a lot of controversy there too, but we stuck it out. That's how you do it," Clarkson said at the forum, addressing concerns about turnover in the office.
"I've already contacted support from the state; we have a state representative that's going to come and help set up the election," Clarkson said in an interview Wednesday. She said former County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins has agreed to provide training, and that she plans to attend state election training soon to prepare for November's general election, an area outside the records and financial administration that make up most of her background.
Clarkson's swearing-in still hinges on the governor's sign-off. "First of all, I have to receive sign off, take the oath, and then from there I'll hit the ground running," she said. Once sworn in, she said the priority is getting access set up across the office's software systems; a process she said she's already begun coordinating with the county treasurer.
Clarkson pointed to her degree in business administration and human resources, along with her experience running her own business, as qualifications that carry over to the clerk's office.
"It lets you know that I'm an ethical individual," Clarkson said of running her own business and leading a nonprofit. "We're gonna establish integrity back into that office," with transparency guiding her decisions, she said.
Commission Chairman Gregg Motley, who represents District 4, said his hope for Clarkson is "the same for all of our elected officials," pointing to four priorities: high-quality job performance, service to the taxpayers of the county, avoiding political "gotcha" moments, and building trust between county employees, elected officials and the public. Motley said he's had only one brief phone conversation with Clarkson so far.
"I am excited to see Annie in this new role as County Clerk," said Commissioner Joe Allen, adding that he doesn't know her personally but had a good conversation with her Tuesday night. He said he's looking forward to building a working relationship between the commission and the clerk's office, calling the expectations for the job "high" and saying he's praying for her success.
Commissioners Sam Tran, David Beerbower and Mika Milburn-Kee had not responded to requests for comment as of publication.
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