Two vie for Dem ballot slot for clerktreasurer

Portage Democrats have two candidates on their primary ballot for clerk-treasurer, as Terri Clark and Elizabeth Modesto vie for the spot on November’s ballot.

Both touted their professional experience.

Terri Clark has lived in Portage for most of her adult life, and is married with three adult children, two stepchildren, and nine grandchildren.

She is new to having her name on the ballot but is no stranger to politics, as she has worked on retired State Sen. Karen Tallian’s campaigns for over 17 years. “Now that the tables are turned, she (Sen. Tallian) is helping me. And believe me, helping on other people’s campaigns is a lot different from doing your own!” said Clark.

For 25 years, Clark worked for Tallian and attorney John Peters, running their office; she did the books, had paralegal duties with filings for the court, filed bankruptcy cases and kept their calendars. After Tallian retired, Clark took a job with Rhame, Elwood and McClure as a legal secretary. She is also a partner in Ground Control, LLC, which has managed home associations for various subdivisions in Portage and Valparaiso.

“I did not originally plan on running for office,” said Clark. “Several people approached me and told me that Portage needed a change in that office.”

“These people thought that, given my experience, I would be able to do the job,” said Clark. “I have always been a part of this community, so I decided to do it.”

“The city clerk is responsible for the bookkeeping and record keeping for the city and the duties are listed in Indiana Code, Title 36,” said Clark. “She has to attend city council meetings and keep minutes and records. She has to make sure that city employees are paid, accurately and on time. And she has to make sure that all the books and

accounts are correct.”

“If I am elected, I expect that this is going to be a fulltime position,” said Clark. “I will be in the office every day, and I will do my best to make sure that the office is run efficiently and that business is done correctly and on time.”

Clark’s primary opponent, Elizabeth Modesto, is a lifelong resident of Portage, except for the 18 months she lived in Germany while her husband was in the military. Modesto has three adult children and six grandchildren.

Modesto served the city of Portage as a council member for 24 years, serving on various committees and commissions throughout that time, including the Budget Committee for 13 years and the Ordinance Committee for 10 years. She is currently employed by Continental in Valparaiso as a customer service representative. She is also a retired U.S. Steel pipe fitter after 30 years of service, and a retired Calumet Township Trustee assistant deputy.

“I decided to run for clerk-treasurer because we need experienced, knowledgeable, and strong leadership in this office,” said Modesto. “The clerk-treasurer’s office is the heart of the city. I have firsthand knowledge of the inner-workings of city government, which is an essential part of the office.”

“As a small-business owner, I was responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll; balanced monthly end statements; maintained timesheets; prepared weekly, monthly and annual reports, and maintained and organized all business documents,” said Modesto.

She added the experience has prepared her to serve as clerk-treasurer, and she would work fulltime at the position.

Incumbent Nina Rivas, a Democrat in her first term, is running as an independent.

Early voting starts Monday and continues through May 1. The primary election takes place on May 2.