Candidate Profile: Tina Barton For Oakland County Clerk

Tina Barton, a Davisburg resident is running for Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds.

Age: 48
Party affiliation: Republican Party
Family:I have been married to my husband Mark for 30 years. We have two adult married children who both live in Oakland County. We also have two fur babies.
Occupation:I have been the City Clerk for the City of Rochester Hills for over 7 years. Prior to that, I served as the Deputy Clerk in Bloomfield Township.
Previous elected experience:I am the City Clerk for the City of Rochester Hills. I am appointed by City Council.
Family members in government:My husband is an Oakland County Sheriffs Deputy.
Campaign website: www.tinaforclerk.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The single most pressing issue facing our state that relates to the Oakland County Clerks Office/Register of Deeds is election integrity, election security, and election education. I was appointed to the Michigan Election Security Commission by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. I recognized and respected across the country for my strong stance on election integrity and election security. I often speak on the need for paper ballots to be used in elections in every state, as well as the need for every state to be conducting election audits, including Risk Limiting Audits. I was the first Clerk in Michigan to pilot a Risk Limiting Audit. The amount of voter education and information currently being produced by the Oakland County Clerk's Office is dismal compared to what could and should done. More than ever, people need a trusted source of information.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The critical difference between us is that I am a professional Clerk with over 15 years experience as an election official. I am the boots on the ground. I administer elections. The current County Clerk is a professional politician. We saw in August of 2018 when Clerks across Oakland County ran out of ballots what can happen when a professional is not doing the job. We cannot afford another four years of Lisa Brown letting us down. We need competency, commitment, and collaboration.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have 15 years as an election official. I serve on the Election Security Commission for Michigan. I serve on the Board of Advisors for the Election Assistance Commission. I am the President of the Oakland County Clerks Association. I was unanimously selected for this position by all of the Clerks in Oakland County. I have experience and I have the national, statewide, and local partnerships to get things done.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
It's essential that we safely and thoughtfully open all of our businesses. Small businesses are being crushed. I have seen business owners like Paul Glantz - Emagine Theaters - present detailed re-opening plans. His theaters have been closed for months now. I respect science. I respect the virus. I also respect the hard working small business owners to make decisions that protect their employees and their patrons.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?
As the County Clerk, I promise that all communities and all groups will have access to free and fair elections in Oakland County. I will partner with groups like Emgage, APIA, and the NAACP to make sure that we are providing them with the resources they need to know what their voting rights are in our country.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:
Protecting your vote, protecting your right to know, protecting the taxpayer and protecting your property rights are some of my top priorities! I have a proven track record of innovation, collaboration, cost savings and effective communication.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
My office received a 2018 Clearie Award for Election Innovation for an Election Day Precinct Support Portal. Other Clerks across Michigan have implemented our portal in their communities with great success.
In March of 2017, Leadership Oakland selected me as the 2017 Leader of Leaders in Public Service. and in 2016, I was named the City Clerk of the Year. I am engaged in the community. I serve on the Board of Crossroads for Youth and Leadership Oakland. I also am a mentor with Women of Tomorrow. I have been mentoring in Detroit Public Schools for the past four years.