Chambana Sun

Vermillion County Clerk Cathy Jenkins has been in public service for years, but it was not a career choice she made lightly.

"After serving as alderman in Ward 1 for the City of Georgetown, and later as a Vermilion County Board member, I was approached to run for county clerk," Jenkins told Chambana Sun. "It seemed a logical step. After much soul searching, consideration and prayer, I made the decision to run for county clerk."

Jenkins has always been committed to fiscal responsibility — a much-needed characteristic in every local government throughout Illinois — and putting her integrity to work for the citizens of Vermillion County.

Vermillion County Clerk Cathy Jenkins

"Volunteering when possible and providing contributions to existing services/groups is important to ensure they continue with the work that they are doing," she said. "I like to think I play a small part in that."

In addition to giving back to her community, Jenkins has big goals for the future of Vermillion County.

"It is a continual goal for me to try to work with the communities in the county, letting them know what our office does overall," she said. "Emphasizing that involvement in the election process is crucial, not only the presidential elections, but the local elections, where that actually influences their daily life. The goals I set initially when voted into office, I met within the first term. However, this goal is continual and with the amount of taxpayer money it takes to run an election, voters need to be more involved to see that those qualified to do the job are supported."

Jenkins is also trying to bring positive changes to schools in Vermillion by helping students get involved in the voting process. 

"The schools we have worked with give the students credit for working election day, which is an incentive for them to participate," Jenkins said. "Election judges are always needed and with expanding this program I’m hoping we will educate them as to how important it is to know the candidates, what they stand for, and their overall qualifications for the position when voting. It is their future and they need to be aware of how it will impact their lives."