Unofficial election results show Percell earning 6,184 votes, compared with unaffliliated challenger Judy Marquez’s 3,397 votes.
For 11 years Percell has worked at the office, starting out in the motor vehicle department, then moving to elections and the recording departments. She was promoted to Chief Deputy Clerk in 2011.
Her experience was key for a successful election.
“It definitely helped with the questions,” Percell said.
In-house training from outgoing clerk-and-recorder Carol Tullis insures the public service agency will continue to run smoothly.
“We expect a smooth transition,” she said. “Carol is training me on the details now.”
Tullis has been the county clerk for 12 years, or three terms.
As for the campaign, Percell said it was a lot of work on top of regular duties, and a bit exhausting.
“I’m a little tired, but happy and grateful for the community support,” she said. “The campaign was a good learning experience. I tried to do my best and speak from the heart.”
Percell plans to keep the same staff, and has a goal of more cross-training of employees in different departments to better serve the customer.
“I have some good ideas and I’m excited to work with staff. I have a lot of respect for what they do,” she said.
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com