DOWAGIAC — When Dowagiac voters take to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5, they will be voting for a new city clerk.

The current officer holder, Jane Phillipson Wilson, who has served in the role for five years, announced she would not be running for reelection this year.

Bill Leonard is running for clerk against write-in candidate Patty Patano.

The city clerk functions as the record keeper for the Dowagiac city council, planning commission and other city boards and commissions. The city clerk also oversees voter registration within the city and serves a four-year term.

The Dowagiac Daily News reached out to both candidates via email to ask questions about their interest and skills for the office of city clerk.

Bill Leonard

Note your educational background, professional experience and involvement in the Dowagiac community.

I am working towards completing a bachelor’s degree in history through Indiana University’s online degree program. I am a licensed builder. I am a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. In the past, I have been involved with Habitat for Humanity.

Why are you running for city clerk?

I was a big fan of Jim Snow. When we moved here 16 years ago, he was always in his office and an amazing source of information.

What is the greatest professional strength that will assist you in this position?

I am computer literate. The ability to find information through the various government websites [is] crucial when answering questions.

How will you serve the people of Dowagiac as clerk?

I will have regular office hours. [It was] not was my intent when I started the process of becoming a candidate, [but] my position at work has changed. I will be in from 3 to 5 p.m. daily, and will continue responding to calls and emails.

What do you enjoy most about living in and representing the people of Dowagiac?

I have met a lot of very good people in the area since we moved. I would like to make sure meeting information is made available online as soon as possible, so people can follow what is happening. Also, to make sure more people are aware that that can find out about meetings both before and after, so even if they cannot attend, they can still know what happened.

Is there anything you would like to say to voters?

I would love to have the opportunity to serve.

Patty Patano

Note your educational background, professional experiences and involvement in the Dowagiac Community?

I have a bachelor of science in business and management from the University of Redlands in California. My professional experience in Dowagiac includes the Cass County Council on Aging in Cassopolis where I was the community development team leader. More recently, I have been a case manager for the St. Joseph County Drug Treatment Court program. In addition, I also work for the Cass County Court Drug Treatment program. As a volunteer, I have been involved with Bridges out of Poverty, the foundation board at Southwestern Michigan College and Hope’s House for women in drug recovery. My 35-year business career took place in the Los Angeles area where I was among the first 20 employees for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee as vice president of public relations/sponsorships. I was also a partner at JD Power and Associates, and had my own marketing company with clients such as Reebok, Dick Clark Productions, Levi Strauss and a wide variety of startups.

Why are you running for city clerk?

Several people in the community asked me to run. They know my commitment to Dowagiac and my desire to be of service is strong. It was an easy decision, and I believe the city clerk position is critical in our city. People want someone they can turn to for information regarding current city matters and upcoming elections. Being involved in public service is something I have always wanted to do.

What is the greatest professional strength that will assist you in this position?

Commitment to a job well done. Having worked for international companies, I understand that leadership, strategic thinking, long term planning, as well as decision making skills and communication [are] very important. But none of it means anything without a commitment to doing it well. Success, in my opinion, is doing the best job you know how to do in any given circumstance.

How will you serve the people of Dowagiac as clerk?

The best way I can serve is by focusing on the areas that are most important to people in the city. I have learned that voters are seeking someone who will provide regular office hours and will be a person they can turn to for information regarding key issues in town. They also want someone who is willing to be involved in the community, that will train poll workers and ensure free and fair elections as we approach 2020. I understand these are the things that will best serve constituents, and I am dedicated to providing them.

What do you enjoy most about living in and representing the people of Dowagiac?

The people of this community are so welcoming and caring. People genuinely want to help their neighbors. Never have I lived in a more well managed city. I love our beautiful downtown, fantastic college, fascinating and educational museum, our churches and other charitable organizations. This community seems to be always striving to assist those less fortunate. We are blessed beyond many of the largest cities in the country. The size of this community allows us to target meaningful services and ways to make lives better. I would be honored to be a part of helping that type of quality of life continue and endure.

Is there anything you would like to say to voters?

As a write-in candidate, your vote is critical to me. In order to win, I need you to take a couple of extra steps: 1) write in my name under city clerk, and then 2) fill in the circle. These two steps will help put me on a path to serving this community. Please come out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5.