Suni Woolstenhulme, a resident of Summit County for over 20 years and a prominent business owner, has officially declared her candidacy for the position of Summit County Clerk. Woolstenhulme made her announcement on New Year's Day, emphasizing her commitment to providing high-quality administrative services, ensuring election integrity, and promoting transparency in local government operations. As a former president of the South Summit School Board, Woolstenhulme brings a wealth of experience in public service. During her eight years on the school board, she oversaw complex budgetary matters and was instrumental in fostering accountability to taxpayers. Her tenure equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate the intricacies of public administration, an experience she now seeks to leverage in her campaign for County Clerk. "The County Clerk’s Office is the administrative backbone of our community that affects the daily lives of every resident," Woolstenhulme stated in her campaign announcement. She underscored the vital role that the Clerk’s Office plays in various aspects of community life, from issuing licenses to facilitating the electoral process. "Whether you are starting a business, getting married, or casting a ballot, the Clerk’s Office is where government meets the people," she added, highlighting her dedication to accessibility and service. Woolstenhulme’s campaign is built on three main pillars that she believes are essential for the role of County Clerk: 1. **Streamlined Services**: Woolstenhulme aims to improve the experience for residents and business owners seeking licenses and essential county documents. She plans to implement systems that facilitate easier access to services, ensuring that residents do not face unnecessary hurdles when interacting with local government. 2. **Operational Transparency**: A vocal advocate for open government, Woolstenhulme seeks to enhance public access to government records, council minutes, and legislative actions. She believes that transparency fosters trust between local government and residents, allowing citizens to stay informed and engaged. 3. **Election Integrity**: With a firm belief in the democratic process, Woolstenhulme is committed to maintaining the security and accuracy of elections. She aims to ensure that every resident has confidence in their vote, a sentiment that resonates strongly in a time when electoral integrity is a hot-button issue across the nation. Having spent the past five years focusing on her small business, Park City Gift & Gourmet, located in Kimball Junction, Woolstenhulme is eager to return to public service. Her experience as a business owner has endowed her with an understanding of the economic diversity and challenges faced by residents and businesses within Summit County. Woolstenhulme resides in Oakley with her husband, Jay Woolstenhulme, a lifelong Summit County resident, and their six children. In her campaign, Woolstenhulme emphasizes the importance of listening to constituents and managing public resources responsibly. She recalls her time on the South Summit School Board as foundational to her understanding of public service. "My experience taught me the importance of listening to constituents and ensuring accountability in managing public resources," she noted. As she embarks on her campaign journey, Woolstenhulme is focused not just on winning votes but also on building relationships within the community. Her goal is to connect with residents from all walks of life, understanding their concerns and aspirations. Woolstenhulme recognizes that Summit County is both geographically and economically diverse, and she aims to bridge these communities through her candidacy. Woolstenhulme’s announcement comes at a time when many in the county are increasingly concerned about the efficacy of local governance and the accessibility of public services. By positioning herself as a candidate who prioritizes transparency and community engagement, she hopes to inspire confidence in her potential leadership as County Clerk. As the election approaches, community members can expect to see Woolstenhulme actively engaging with residents and stakeholders, seeking to understand their needs and how the Clerk’s Office can better serve them. Her campaign promises aim to resonate with those looking for a representative who embodies both experience and a genuine commitment to public service. Woolstenhulme’s candidacy represents a new chapter for Summit County, one that emphasizes community involvement, transparency, and integrity in public service. As she steps forward in her campaign, it remains to be seen how her platform will resonate with voters, but her dedication to the principles of service and community engagement suggests that she may have a significant impact in the upcoming election.