Gabe Stark
Reporter

Grundy County voters will choose between two candidates, Amanda Spencer and Michelle Vandevender, for circuit clerk and ex officio recorder of deeds during the Tuesday, Aug. 4, primary election.

To help provide voters with information about the candidates and their views on the responsibilities of the office, the Trenton Telegraph sent questionnaires to each candidate and asked them to limit their responses to 50 words per answer.

The following are their answers, printed in alphabetical order by last name.

What is the biggest issue facing the circuit clerk and ex officio recorder of deeds office, and how, if elected, will you work to resolve it?

Spencer: “The biggest challenge is balancing efficient public service with accurate, secure recordkeeping. If elected, I will improve office efficiency, strengthen customer service, support responsible technology upgrades and ensure court and land records remain accurate, accessible and protected while serving everyone with professionalism, integrity and accountability.”

Vandevender: “The biggest challenge is modernizing operations while preserving essential records. I will strengthen cross-training and staff consolidation, expand secure online access to recorder records and prioritize preserving historic documents through reliable digital backup systems. These improvements will increase efficiency, accessibility and long-term protection of Grundy County’s public records.”

What do you believe is the most important responsibility of the circuit clerk and ex officio recorder of deeds?

Spencer: “The most important responsibility is maintaining accurate, secure court and land records while providing efficient, professional service to the public. The office must operate with honesty and transparency to ensure each person is treated fairly and every record is protected.”

Vandevender: “The circuit clerk and ex officio recorder safeguards the integrity of court and public records, supports judges in the administration of justice, ensures accurate and accessible records and provides efficient, professional service. Strong leadership, accountability and public trust are essential to serving the courts and the citizens of Grundy County.”

Please explain what you view as the most important responsibility of this elected office given the role this office plays in the community.

Spencer: “The circuit clerk and ex officio recorder’s office safeguards court and land records, supports the judicial system and serves the public. Its most important responsibility is ensuring records remain accurate, secure and accessible while providing efficient, professional service that promotes transparency, accountability and public trust.”

Vandevender: “This office is the connection between the courts and the public. It supports judges, attorneys, law enforcement and citizens while safeguarding important records. The office should provide compassionate customer service, strong leadership and dependable operations that reflect professionalism, integrity and respect for everyone.”

Amanda Spencer’s Biographical Details

Educational background, including any degrees earned: Spencer graduated from Trenton High School and earned an Associate of Arts degree from North Central Missouri College in 1998. She has also completed numerous in-person and online training courses related to her work.

Occupation: Deputy circuit clerk and municipal clerk. Spencer has served in those positions since 2020 and is also a certified passport agent.

Social media or website contact information related to the campaign: Amanda Spencer for Grundy County Circuit Clerk & Recorder on Facebook.

Prior civic and governmental public service experience that aids her ability to serve: Spencer was elected Region I officer for the Missouri Professional Association of Court Clerks in April 2025. The organization supports the education and professional development of court clerks throughout Missouri. Spencer also serves on the Green Hills Animal Shelter board and is board secretary for South Evans Christian Church. She previously served for four years as secretary of the Trenton Quarterback Club. She and her husband are also active in local chapters of Ducks Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Michelle Vandevender’s Biographical Details

Educational background, including any degrees earned: Vandevender earned a legal secretarial certificate from Kirksville Area Vocational Technical School by attending night classes while in high school. She later graduated from North Central Missouri College with an Associate of Applied Science degree with an emphasis in legal studies.

Occupation: Senior deputy circuit clerk.

Social media or website contact information related to the campaign: Michelle Vandevender for Grundy County Circuit Clerk on Facebook.

Prior civic and governmental public service experience that aids her ability to serve: Vandevender worked in the prosecuting attorney’s office for four years and spent more than 10 years as a legal secretary. She also served eight years as a Court Clerk II before becoming senior deputy circuit clerk. Vandevender is also serving her second term as an educator on the Court Clerk Education Committee after being appointed by the Missouri Supreme Court. She also serves as a Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce ambassador.