Lane wins Jefferson County clerk race

Republican Cheryl D. Lane might be new to running for political office, but she won't be new to the Jefferson County clerk's office.

Mrs. Lane, who has been part of the staff at the clerk's office for 34 years, came out ahead of Democrat Gertrude M. Karris with 13,728 votes to Mrs. Karris' 5,389 votes in early unofficial results from Tuesday's election for Jefferson County clerk.

"This is my first time, and it was a great experience," Mrs. Lane said soon after hearing of her victory after polls closed at 9 p.m.

Mrs. Karris conceded the race around 10:40 p.m.

"(Assemblywoman) Addie Russell and I walked over to the Paddock, found Cheryl. I congratulated her and thanked her for running a nice, decent race. I'm sure she'll do a good job," Mrs. Karris said.

As county clerk, Mrs. Lane will manage court and land records and operate the local branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Mrs. Lane said she is looking forward to getting an electronic system for court records and working out some kinks in the new computerized land records system.

"I want to try to streamline more and work within the budget so that we can keep taxes down," she said.

Mrs. Lane said she enjoyed her first political excursion and thanked her friends, family and Jefferson County residents for their support.

"It was wonderful. I've met a lot of wonderful people," she said. "I really appreciate the residents of Jefferson County for having confidence in me as county clerk."