Local woman throws hat into ring for Lehigh County clerk of judicial records

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A North Whitehall Township woman intends to become Lehigh County's second-ever clerk of judicial records.

Michelle Graupner, an office supervisor within the county's Department of Judicial Records, said she is seeking election this November.

A county employee of seven years, Graupner said she will run as a Democrat.

• The clerk of judicial records oversees court documents, including criminal files, civil documents, wills and deeds
• Andrea Naugle, who has held the post since its creation in 2008, is retiring after 50 years of service in Lehigh County
• Michelle Graupner, a seven-year employee of the office, hopes to succeed Naugle

"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 in a news release.

The clerk of judicial records is tasked with overseeing and maintaining all court records, including civil documents, criminal files, deeds and wills.

Graupner, a board member of the Lehigh County League of Women Voters, said she is committed to safeguarding taxpayer dollars. She supports recent steps by the office, such as making court orders available electronically, which cuts down on ink, paper and postal costs.

The office is a unique position. Most counties split the responsibilities into separate offices, each of which have an elected official tasked with overseeing it. Others, such as Northampton County, have eliminated the elected clerk positions.

Graupner is looking to succeed Andrea Naugle, who has been clerk of judicial records since 2008, when the position was created.

Before that, Naugle served as clerk of courts, a similar elected office with a narrower focus. Naugle recently announced she will retire at the end of the year. Lehigh County honored her for 50 years of service in September.