With the election of Saratoga County Clerk Kathy Marchione to the state Senate, speculation is running rampant about what will become of her soon-to-be-vacant office.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has the power to make an appointment, or wait for the fall election. Three political parties have submitted names for consideration to the governor.
The Saratoga County Independence Party has submitted the name of Ballston Supervisor Patti Southworth as a possible appointee. Southworth, who is the county chairwoman of the party, expressed her gratitude for the nomination.
“I would be honored and privileged to accept the appointment by the governor for the position of Saratoga county clerk,” said Southworth. “I believe I would make a good county clerk based on my existing positive relationship with the Sarataoga County supervisors. I have a good working relationship with not only the board but the Saratoga County Administrator’s Office. I think that’s vitally important to be able to work well with the legislative body. The trust and knowledge already exist. You have to be able to work together.”
The Republican and Democratic parties have also submitted names for consideration. County Republicans have tapped Halfmoon businessman and Town Board member Craig Hayner. The Democratic Party has declined to announce the name they are submitting for consideration.
Calls to leaders in both parties were not returned.
The speculation on a possible appointment stems in part because longtime Deputy County Clerk LoAnn Sanders has decided to retire, which will leave two vacancies in the three top positions in the county clerk’s office on Jan. 1.
The County Clerk is responsible for registering and maintaining a permanent record of deeds, mortgages, liens, affidavits and other legal instruments, as well as providing certified copies of official documents requested by the public.
Southworth said that once she was in the position she would be able to scrutinize the budget, evaluate expenditures and at the same time increase efficiency.
“I would love to have an opportunity to serve the county in that position,” said Southworth. I would help tax payers by saving money and controlling expenditures. That is one thing the governor and I see eye to eye on. That was one of the reasons behind the 2 percent tax cap. I’ve shown that I am fiscally conservative and that could be a benefit to the county.”
If Cuomo makes an appointment, that person would have to run in November to keep the job. Southworth said she thinks the voters would support her.
“I believe I am the best candidate not only for the position but to be able to hold the position in an election,” she said.