Bogardus announces candidacy for Register of Deeds

Rose Bogardus

DAVISON — County Commissioner Rose Bogardus announced that she is a Democratic candidate for the office of Register of Deeds. The position is currently held by Melvin McCree, who is retiring.

Noting her appreciation for the contributions of the McCree family to the community, Bogardus said, “a McCree has held the position of Register of Deeds for almost 40 years. They leave big shoes to fill.”

Bogardus listed increasing efficiency as her main priority in running the office. “During poor economic times, government must run as efficiently as possible,” she said. “We need to look at all possibilities, including consolidating the Register of Deeds and County Clerk positions as several other counties have already done.”

She also noted that she will need to maintain staff morale during the transition from a long-term official to a new register, adding that staff support is essential to any elected official.

Bogardus has served a total of seven terms on the County Board and three terms as a state representative. She also has worked as a waitress, teacher, home day care operator and in factories. She said that she believes her experience and background make her a well-qualified candidate.

“As an elected official, my record speaks for itself. I understand working families and for 20 years I have worked to earn the trust of my constituents by putting their needs first. I am grateful for that trust and support,” she said.

Currently she is chairperson of the finance committee. In previous terms, she has been vice chairperson of the board and chairperson of the Economic Development, Government Operations and Public Works Committees.

As a commissioner, Bogardus has served on the Parks and Recreation Board, Mental Health Board, 911 Executive Board, Flint Area Health Care Coalition, Senior Citizen Advisory Committee, Metropolitan Planning Commission, Metropolitan Transportation Association, 4C Child Care Board, Priority Children Executive Board, Local Emergency Planning Committee and several other boards.

As a volunteer she has served as a Girl Scout leader and on the Girl Scout executive board; as president of the Flint Area League of Women Voters; as president of the Davison Business and Professional Women; and as chairperson of Planned Parenthood. She also has been a fundraiser for the March of Dimes, Heart Foundation and cystic fibrosis. She is active in the Democratic Party and worked on many campaigns other than her own. She has sung in Sweet Adelines and is in the Flint Festival Chorus. She feels community involvement is essential especially for elected officials.

Rose and her husband, Tom, live in Davison and have been married for 42 years, rearing their two children, Holly Selesky of Columbiaville and Jay of Chicago.

Bogardus graduated from Millington High School and Central Michigan University. — Anna Stodola