Assistant files papers to run for county clerk

A Douglas County deputy clerk filed Friday to run in 2004 for the job to be vacated by longtime Clerk Patty Jaimes.

Marni Penrod, who has worked eight years in the Clerk’s Office, said she would seek the Republican nomination.

“I’ve enjoyed working here, and working with the public,” she said. “Being a public servant fits my personality well. I like the idea of being part of the voting process.”

The clerk is the county’s chief election officer, in addition to handling accounting, licensing and taxation duties.

Penrod, 32, lives in rural Overbrook. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1989 and Kansas University in 1993. She began in the Clerk’s Office as a part-time employee and moved up to deputy clerk in August. There are two deputy clerks, but Penrod is the deputy responsible for elections.

Penrod said she expected opposition for the Aug. 3 primary.

Jaimes has announced that she wouldn’t seek a seventh term in 2004.