Elizabeth “Liz” Yockel has formally announced her candidacy for Ontario County Clerk, promising a new beginning for the office with a focus on cost-effective, accessible service delivery for all residents. Yockel, who has a diverse background as a public office holder, small business owner, attorney, and team leader, is supported by the City of Canandaigua Democratic Committee, as well as the Democratic Committee of Richmond and Canadice.
Yockel’s platform emphasizes the need to adapt to modern times, especially in light of the COVID crisis. She plans to upgrade technology and digitize records in order to make services more accessible across the county. “We need to create processes that make services easier to access for all residents across the county,” Yockel says, citing the closure of Geneva’s DMV office due to COVID as a prime example of the challenges faced by the community.
The Ontario County Clerk’s office is responsible for processing court documents, property records, business filings, certain licenses, and overseeing the Department of Motor Vehicles, generating nearly $2 million in revenue annually for the county. Ryan Wilmer, Chair of the City of Canandaigua Democratic Committee, praises Yockel’s unique experience and qualifications, stating, “We couldn’t be more pleased to have such a qualified candidate for Clerk.”
Yockel aims to secure the Democratic nomination in the primary on June 27, 2023, but stresses the importance of moving beyond partisan politics to focus on providing stable, trustworthy public service. She has received endorsements from former Richmond Town Clerk Michel Lyn Knight, who says, “Liz’s character is beyond reproach. She is a calm presence and an extremely effective leader whose education in the legal field rounds out her qualifications as a candidate for County Clerk.”
In addition to her roles in the Vermont Legislature, local land trust, and numerous nonprofit boards, Yockel has worked as a senior attorney editor for Thomson Reuters in Rochester and is currently the Program Director for the Rochester Folk Art Guild. A Canandaigua native, she holds undergraduate and law degrees from Johns Hopkins University and Vermont Law School, respectively.
“I am running for Ontario County Clerk because I believe that everyone deserves access to quality services from their government. I will listen to residents and businesses in our county and advocate for their needs. I am committed to creating an office that works for everyone,” Yockel said in a statement.
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