advertisement

Randolph Clerk-elect sees smooth transition into new role

Randolph County Clerk-elect Melanie Johnson doesn't see herself as a minority in county politics.

The only Republican candidate to win a county office in the Nov. 6 election, the Sparta native said she's already established a rapport with the Democratic leaders that were re-elected through her experience working at the county Recorder of Deeds office.

"Having worked at the courthouse in the Regional Office of Education for many years, I already know most of the officeholders," Johns said. "And I've spent a lot of time in the county clerk's office over the years, researching my family's history. I've always had a good relationship with the staff."

It's that relationship, she said, that should ease the transition when she replaces outgoing Clerk Pat Laramore on Dec. 3. Laramore, a Democrat. is stepping down after serving four terms as clerk.

Johnson defeated Sparta resident Bobby Klausing in the election by an unofficial total of 5,613 to 4,174. Votes will be canvassed and certified by the county board on Nov. 20.

Johnson said she felt the campaign was very positive and praised Klausing for keeping a positive focus.

"I feel that Bobby and I both talked about our individual strengths and ideas for the office," she said. "I don't feel like we campaigned on negativity. I liked going to the various communities, meeting people and seeing people I hadn't seen in a while."

Once she steps into the office of County Clerk and Recorder, Johnson doesn't plan to begin the job making changes just for the sake of change.

"I don't believe in going in and 'reinventing the wheel.'" she said. "Ask me again in six to ten months, after I have a better understanding of how the office works. Perhaps there will be a change here and there."

She stated that she does have some concerns about the age of the current optical scanner voting machines, and feels, depending on cost, that replacement is an issue that in time will bare looking into.

"Pat Laramore has done a good job as county clerk for many years," Johnson said. "It will be a change for everyone but I don't foresee a barrier at all."

A sixth generation Randolph County resident, Johnson lived her adult life just outside the town of Sparta and graduated from Sparta schools. She is a graduate of William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri with a double major in Business Administration and French and a minor in music.

She is the daughter of Byron and Louise Johnson. Prior to their retirement, her parents owned and operated the International Harvester business in Sparta and Melanie worked in the family business.

"I started out dusting shelves and worked my way to balancing ledgers," she said.

She substituted in Sparta schools for a period of time and in 1993 she began part-time employment, working with adult education in the Regional Office of Education, eventually becoming full time She left the position in 2013, due to downsizing and budget reductions.

Johnson is a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Sparta where she plays the organ part time. She recently retired from her position as organist and choir director for the Tilden Presbyterian Church, a position she held for 34 years. She also played organ at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Sparta for about 20 of those years. She's a busy woman, playing organ and piano at many area weddings and funerals.

In addition, she is chairman of the Regional Leaders organization, secretary of the Community Foundation of Randolph County, board president for the Sparta Area Habitat for Humanity, bookkeeper at the Marissa Recreational Area, a member of the Monroe-Randolph Transit Board, and a member of the Chester Municipal Band and the Sparta Community Chorus.

She also serves as Republican Precinct 6 committeeman.

Johnson said she learned a great deal from her campaign and finds it humbling and pleasantly surprising to have received the support of voters from around the county.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge," she said.