And then there were three. The race for city clerk among South Bend Democrats just got a little bit more crowded with the entry of Sharon Banicki.
Banicki, who works in the Voter Registration office, says that she has over 17 years’ worth of experience working as an office manager at a locally-owned company, Hobbyland, which is now closed due to the downturn in the economy.
“I was the office manager and handled all the accounting functions of the corporation. Hobbyland had multiple stores, including a store in Tennessee plus a strong internet presence that I helped develop,” Banicki says.
While still working full-time at Hobbyland, Banicki returned to school, earning an Associate’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Ivy Tech State College.
Those skills could help her in the job for city clerk. Some of her ideas include using social media to post the city council’s agenda and meeting minutes, as well as streamlining code violation payments.
Banicki has a lifelong connection to the city.
“I grew up on the West Side of South Bend graduating from Washington High School. I still reside in the house where I raised my two sons,” Banicki explains. “I come from a large family with deep roots in public service. My father Frank retired from the City of South Bend Park Department after 42 years of service, my brother Ron is a current 3 term Mishawaka City Councilman, my sister Barbara has worked for the St Joseph County Clerk’s office for over 30 years, my brother Dan has been employed by a local law enforcement agency for over 18 years.”
Banicki is the third candidate to declare a run for city clerk. South Bend Voice has also covered the announcements from current deputy city clerk Kareemah Fowler and current at-large member of the Common Council Derek Dieter. The primary will be held on May 5, 2015.
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