Michelle Graupner recently announced her candidacy for Lehigh County clerk of judicial courts.

The position had been held by Andrea Naugle who is retiring. Naugle, the longest serving Lehigh County row officer and 50-year employee of Lehigh County, was appointed acting clerk of courts in September 1995 upon the retirement of Doris Glaessmann and was elected to the position in November of that year. She held the position for seven terms, last reelected in 2019.

“I am happy to announce my candidacy for the clerk of judicial records 2023,” Graupner said. “It is a challenge for which I am committed to putting my best foot forward. I have the experience and education to succeed.”

Graupner reported she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Kutztown University and an associate degree in paralegal studies from Lehigh Carbon Community College.

She has worked in the clerk of judicial records office for seven years and received two promotions in that time. She currently works as an office supervisor.

“I possess the ability to constantly improve, am driven to succeed and believe in collaboration, in the understanding that when we come together and work as a team, we all succeed,” Graupner said.

She added the importance of everyone working together to contribute to the same goal. She said she has the ability to recognize and understand when something can be done in a more efficient manner and uses that skill throughout her career.

“I used to often consider many possibilities as to what my purpose was, the goal I had for my career and the intentions I had when interacting with others,” Graupner said. “It wasn’t until I fully engrossed myself in pursuing a career as a public servant that I discovered the answers to those questions. Every day I am compelled to provide the best service, provide all the resources I can and interact with others in an approachable, understanding way to make sure we are doing everything we can to assist the public with their legal processes.

“It’s a daily objective to ensure tax dollars are being used efficiently and appropriately,” Graupner added. “For example, an initiative recently enacted is providing the service of court orders electronically, which has substantially cut down on costs, specifically paper, ink, postage and envelopes.

Graupner reported she volunteers with the League of Women Voters of Lehigh County which works to defend democracy and encourage citizens to vote. She’s been a member since 2018 and serves as a board member.

“There are a number of positive initiatives the League takes on, such as being a pillar of the community, encouraging citizens to register to vote, going out to vote and informing voters of who is on their ballot by providing a voters’ guide in print and online,” Graupner said. “I was initially drawn to the League due to it being a place where all are welcome and even though we all have different ideologies, we can come together to better our community.”

She noted public service has allowed her to grow her career and focus her aims on making a difference to Lehigh County residents.

“I am committed to making the world a better place, and I intend to continue my commitment by being the next clerk of judicial records,” Graupner said. “I look forward to serving this community by maintaining efficient and accurate ways of recording and retaining records, and I am very honored to take on this venture and have your support for the road ahead.”