MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI - Muskegon County Clerk Karen Buie, a Democrat, is running for reelection in the Nov. 5 general election.
Buie, appointed clerk in 2023, is being challenged by Republican Eric Rothoff.
The county clerk is responsible for keeping circuit court records, maintaining a list of potential jurors and convening juries for trials, keeping such vital records as marriage licenses and birth and death certificates, issuing concealed pistol licenses, and keeping minutes for the county board of commissioners.
The clerk also runs elections, including handling candidate filings and spending reports, lining up election workers and assisting the board of canvassers. The position is for a four-year term.
MLive has partnered with the League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund this year to provide voters with a Vote411 election guide.
Candidates were asked to fill out general information about their campaigns and answer a list of questions compiled by the League of Women Voters.
All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters or MLive, except for necessary cuts if a reply exceeded character limitations. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties.
Karen Buie did not respond to MLive requests to complete the Vote411 questionnaire. In April 2023, Buie was appointed to fill in for retiring Clerk Nancy Waters, who unseated Buie in the 2008 general election for the clerk’s position and had held the job for 14 years.
Related: Michigan voter guide being launched by MLive, League of Women Voters
Below is candidate Eric Rothoff’s biographical information and responses to provided questions.
Rothoff, 54, resides in Twin Lake. He graduated from Michigan State University with two degrees - a bachelor‘s of science in Computer Science and a bachelor’s of arts in International Relations.
After college, he lived overseas for 10 years as a missionary teaching computers and English. While there, he created his first small business providing email and printed business directories.
He returned to the United States in 2005. He is currently working in Information Technology (IT), he said he helps individuals and organizations utilize technology. He added that he is also a deputy township clerk and treasurer for multiple organizations.
Rothoff previously ran for county register of deeds in 2020 and for a county commissioner seat in 2018.
According to his LinkedIn, he has run a non-profit Michigan Watchdogs "that investigates waste, fraud and abuse in local government" since 2011.
What is your vision for serving in the Clerk’s office in quickly-changing times of technology and county growth?
Eric Rothoff: I am an IT Professional who knows how to utilize technology to provide services that are simple and quick. I realize that not everyone is comfortable with technology, so we also need to provide services in person and with a friendly smile.
What special qualifications are needed as County Clerk? How has your experience enhanced the work of this office?
Eric Rothoff: The qualifications are: Organization, meticulous attention to details, and the unbiased application of the rule of law. I organized a company overseas that had offices in four cities that worked under foreign laws, tax codes, and in different languages. Additionally, an IT Professional has to keep track of all the little details with computers. One wrong character or click of the mouse and a computer may not do what you are expecting. Finally, my unbiased application of the law can be seen by the fact that I have reported more Republicans for election law violations than Democrats. America is based on laws that are meant to protect the minority and try to give an even playing field to its citizens.
What are the top three issues facing your county as Clerk and how do you propose to address them?
Eric Rothoff: The most important is Election Integrity. Elections must be so transparent that neither Republican nor Democrat can say an election is stolen. Then second issue is Customer Service. We must serve citizens quickly, without bias, and without additional requirements. You cannot add to the law or ignore the law. Finally, the third issue is Fiscal Responsibility. First, I will see how new technology can improve the automation of all the clerk’s responsibilities. I will also continue looking into the merging of the Register of Deeds office with the County Clerk’s office.
How would you engage young voters to increase their participation in elections?
Eric Rothoff: Many township clerks provide lessons to High School students in their district. I would have the county have classes in the High Schools if their township clerk does not. Every student should learn the importance of voting and how to vote.
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