Dear Editor & Hamilton County Residents,
My name is Carole Ruiz, and I am running to be your next Hamilton County Clerk. My first letter was in Volume 75: Number 18 edition, May 3-9, 2023, of the Hamilton County Express. In that letter, I told you who I was and why I decided to run for Hamilton County Clerk. (Please grab a copy of that paper if you missed it, or you can find the letter online at https://caroleruiz.us/articles/.) Thank you to those who read my letter and have expressed their support to me personally. It has been a tremendous source of encouragement.
I want to thank every Hamilton County resident who has opened their door to me, listened to me, asked challenging questions, and signed my petition. Thank you for taking the time to learn who I am and why I am running. Many of you have even invited me into your home! Thank you to the person who talked with me in the garage instead of in the pouring rain. It has been a joy to meet each of you.
One thing that is interesting to me is learning how people vote. I have heard many of your thoughts on how you decide to vote. Some vote based solely on the origin of the candidate or only on people they have known for years. Others vote based on the experience and credentials of the candidate. Some vote by party line, whether they have ever heard of the person or not. I think most of us vote somewhere in the middle of all that. It can feel like a guessing game or a flip of a coin. However, I am doing what I can so that you can be an informed voter and make a decision with confidence and knowledge.
In my current position with Hamilton County, I am utilizing many of the skills needed to perform the role of County Clerk professionally, effectively, and efficiently. I review and correct timesheets, work with the Treasurer’s office to process payroll, collect and organize employee data in spreadsheets, keep records filed accurately and in compliance with the law, and prepare letters to employees, to name a few things. I also work with the towns and schools to be in accordance with civil service rules and laws. The skills I am using now will help me in the County Clerk’s office.
I want good for Hamilton County. The role of the County Clerk affects every person that lives here, young and old. It affects our children and our futures. My children attend school here, and I want them to thrive in this place we love and call home. I am new to the political realm and may not know the “unspoken rules” which surround running; however, I am a qualified Hamilton County resident who feels motivated to take action to run for an essential office in our county. I care about where we have been, where we are, and especially where we are heading. Let’s get to work!
I am asking for your vote. I will work diligently for you and Hamilton County. Please get out and show it at the polls. The Republican primary election is being held on June 27, 2023. Mark it on your calendar and get out to vote.
Thank you! Let’s move forward together!
Carole Ruiz