» Why did you decide to run for clerk-treasurer?
When the idea of running was presented to me, I first had to consider the impact this would have on my family, and secondly, the impact I could have on my community if elected. My husband and I own a small construction business, and we recently had our first child. We love our community, and we are so proud to call Seymour home, so I researched the role and reached out to family, friends and clerk-treasurers in surrounding areas to seek information and advice. The response I received was so positive and encouraging. Being the case, with the support of my family and friends, I made the decision to run. I am a fresh face, and I will bring a new vision to the clerk-treasurer’s office.
» What is your priority heading into office?
My top priorities would be to run an efficient, modernized and customer-friendly office. I would work closely with existing staff, the mayor, city council and the community to assess the needs of the office and the customers it serves first. From there, I will look at the most impactful and rational areas to make improvements and continue to look for areas to create efficiencies.
» What experience do you have for this office?
I have an associate degree in business management that provided the opportunity to lead a merchandising team at Home Depot for five of the 10 years I spent with the company. At Home Depot, I managed a team of eight-plus employees, leading them on major store resets. I currently work as a deputy clerk at the Jackson County Clerk’s Office, where I am tasked with a range of activities that includes verifying felony cases, preparing passports and researching and certifying marriage licenses. My husband and I also planted deeper roots in our town when we opened Hodapp Customs LLC.
» How do you plan to make the office more accessible and user-friendly?
I previously touched on this question when I discussed my priorities, but I would like to add to the friendly focus. It is so important to me to provide a customer-friendly office. I am an optimistic, glass half-full, positive person. I always try to envision myself in the shoes of the customer, vendor, manager, whoever it is I am working with. I think this gives me a great perspective when handling a variety of situations. I want the community I am serving to have a positive experience when calling or visiting the clerk-treasurer’s office or accessing its services online. I will look to technology to assure that we are providing the most customer-friendly options available.
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Name: Sarah S. Hodapp
Party: Republican
Age: 29
Occupation: Deputy clerk at the Jackson County Clerk’s Office
Education: Seymour High School graduating Class of 2008; Associate of Applied Science in business management
Public services: Seymour Oktoberfest executive committee member and chairwoman of the parade, Seymour Main Street promotion committee volunteer
Memberships: St. Ambrose Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus
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