County clerk not seeking third term

CENTREVILLE – St. Joseph County Clerk/Register of Deeds Lindsay Oswald has decided to not seek re-election to a third, four-year term.

Oswald, 44, said she withdrew her candidacy Thursday, leaving Mendon Township’s Gina Everson as the only Republican candidate for the position in the Aug. 7 primary election.

“I’ve done this job for a long time now and it’s somebody else’s turn,” Oswald said.

Oswald succeeded 45-year county employee Pattie Bender as county clerk in June 2015. In all, the Lockport Township resident has worked for the county more than 11 years after spending 10 years with the city of Three Rivers.

A Saginaw County native, Oswald said family also played a role in her decision.

“I have a lot of family in the Saginaw area and Flint, my son is graduating (high school) this year, my other son is a sophomore … there’s a lot going on and this is simply the best choice considering the changes in my family right now,” Oswald said. “It’s time to move on and find my next challenge.”

She was quick to remind, however, there are two significant elections upcoming in which she will be heavily involved – a number of county and township positions will be up for grabs on the August ballot, while November’s general election will be a heavy lift.

She did not indicate what professional avenues she plans to explore after her term as county clerk concludes Dec. 31. Oswald conceded this was a difficult choice considering her love for the job.

“I love working for the county, I love working with the legislature … I still love doing all that stuff,” she said. “I just feel this it’s time to turn the job over to someone else.”

Oswald’s 2024 salary for her dual role as county clerk and register of deeds is $90,900.

Everson, meanwhile, currently serves as chief deputy register under Oswald.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: St. Joseph County clerk not seeking third term