HOUGHTON – Mary Hodges is looking to become Houghton County’s next clerk and register of deeds.

Hodges, who lives in Bootjack, is running against incumbent Clerk Jennifer Lorenz in the August Democratic primary. She currently works as office assistant in the sponsored programs department at Michigan Technological University.

Hodges said she is running because of her lifelong civic-mindedness. Her mother worked at the courthouse for 31 years, while her father served as a township supervisor.

Hodges grew up in the area. After moving to California when she was 18, she returned to the Copper Country 20 years later. She’s been back for 18 years.

Hodges said she is energized by helping other people and using all available resources to meet their needs. That has included helping elderly people with their Medicare applications, to helping a friend with multiple sclerosis get medicine and move out of an upstairs apartment.

“I just help people, no matter what it is, no matter how big or how small,” she said. “I like doing that. I feel like it’s my duty.”

As the duties of the clerk and register of deeds are governed by statute, Hodges doesn’t anticipate any significant changes if she is elected. However, she said, she will bring her tendencies for staying current through education, continuous improvement and fostering collaboration to the office.

When residents come into the office, Hodges said, she would take the time to listen to a person’s needs, break down their task and make the situation as easy as possible for them. People would either walk away with their needs met or know what they would need to do next, she said.

“I’m very passionate about my community and helping people in need, no matter how large or small that need is,” she said.