Porter County Clerk Race: Domer vs. Haney
The Porter County Clerk’s race features two experienced candidates vying for the position. Democrat Barbara Domer, a current Valparaiso City Council member, is running against Republican Jackie Haney, the chief finance deputy in the clerk’s office.
About Barbara Domer
Barbara Domer is completing her first term on the Valparaiso City Council. If elected, she plans to focus on increasing voter turnout. Domer has been involved with Indivisible Indiana and was on the board of The League of Women Voters. Her narrow victory in the city council race by four votes underscores her belief that every vote counts. “Your vote is your voice” is her campaign slogan, emphasizing civic duty over political functions.
She acknowledges that many in the community feel their votes don’t matter. Porter County ranks middle in the state for voter turnout, and Domer hopes to improve this by expanding voter access. Her plans include opening more vote centers and extending the days and locations for mobile voting vans, including at union halls, hospitals, and grocery stores.
Domer stresses the importance of publicizing voting times, locations, and requirements. Her background as an accountant, coupled with her leadership experience in financial matters for Valparaiso, would aid her in supporting the clerk’s office. “Building upon the success of the clerk’s office” is part of her vision.
About Jackie Haney
Jackie Haney brings 30 years of experience in the clerk’s office, promising continuity and a deep understanding of its operations. She started her career young in the traffic department and has been part of the office for decades. Haney highlights the value of her experience, noting how it contributes to saving taxpayer dollars.
The main clerk’s office, along with the associated courts, has a significant number of staff and serves various functions, including interactions with judges and magistrates. Haney views her colleagues as her community, and her passion for the office is evident.
As chief finance deputy, Haney manages financial operations, prepares for audits, and handles training related to child support security. She is also completing a Certificate Program in Election Administration Technology and Security through Ball State University.
Although this is her first political campaign, Haney emphasizes the importance of relationship building. Her involvement with local organizations and boards has established a strong network. If elected, she intends to develop a more structured training program, complementing the existing one, to benefit the public’s understanding of the clerk’s office functions.
Haney aims for a seamless transition to leadership, leveraging her institutional knowledge to continue and enhance the office’s effectiveness.
Shelley Jones is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.