By Rick Morwick
Kathy Richardson is no stranger to state politics or the Hamilton County Clerk’s Office.
Since 1992, the Noblesville Republican has represented District 29 in the Indiana House of Representatives and worked full-time in the clerk’s office as the Hamilton County Election Administrator.
Now, Richardson is bidding the General Assembly farewell and running for the office of Hamilton County Clerk. She decided to run when incumbent Tammy Baitz opted not to seek re-election.
“I have always enjoyed the work in the clerk’s office and look forward to focusing my time in that direction,” said Richardson, who has worked in various capacities in the clerk’s office for 42 years. “I would like to concentrate solely on the clerk’s office.”
Richardson, 62, began working in the clerk’s office filing traffic tickets at age 19. She was elected county clerk twice in the 1980s and has served in the Indiana Legislature and as Hamilton County Election Administrator for 26 years.
She is now ready to concentrate on one office.
“We have accomplished a lot in those years, and for me it was a good time to transition,” said Richardson, who has served as caucus majority chair in the General Assembly since 2000. “I have always enjoyed my work in public service, whether through the courthouse or the Statehouse. It is rewarding to be able to assist those who need your help. I have worked with many dedicated county and state employees.”
A 1974 Noblesville High School graduate, Richardson is running against Democrat Cathy Sutton, a fellow Noblesville resident and first-time office-seeker. Among other tasks, the county clerk is responsible for filing important records and documents, including birth, death and marriage certificates.
“My vision for the clerk’s office is to continue to maintain a high quality of service to the citizens of Hamilton County,” Richardson said. “Over my time working in the clerk’s office, I have seen many changes in the way our work is processed. It is always a challenge to keep up with new technology and changes in state and federal law. I enjoy the challenges of looking for new ways to add efficiency and cost savings to taxpayers.”
