A Century of Service in Jackson County (with Chris Walker) | Ep. 17
A Century of Service in Jackson County (with Chris Walker) | Ep. 17  
Podcast: Ground Floor Government
Published On: Wed Nov 12 2025
Description: History becomes personal when it shapes your own career. Host Hugh Plappert welcomes Chris Walker, whose deep family roots in Jackson County date back more than a century. Her great-grandfather, August Singler, served as sheriff in 1913, giving his life in the line of duty. Her father and uncle carried that civic legacy forward as mayor and county commissioner, and Chris continued the tradition through her decades of service in county government.ㅤFrom starting as an entry-level employee in 1995 to becoming the elected County Clerk, Chris Walker shares how motivation, work ethic, and family history shaped her purpose. She reflects on navigating financial crises, modernizing systems with Oregon’s first eRecording platform, and creating the Property Recording Alert Service to better protect residents.ㅤThis conversation spans legacy, leadership, resilience, and a lifelong dedication to serving the public with integrity.ㅤ👤 Guest BioChris Walker serves as County Clerk for Jackson County, Oregon. Her family’s history of public service began with her great-grandfather, Sheriff August Singler, in the early 1900s. Over nearly three decades, Chris has led initiatives like Oregon’s first eRecording program and the Property Recording Alert Service. Her leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to accessibility, transparency, and community service.ㅤ📌 What We CoverThe 113-year family legacy of public service in Jackson CountyThe story of Sheriff August Singler and the history behind his serviceHow local leadership continued through generations—from mayor to county commissionerChris’s start in 1995 as an entry-level employee and path to County ClerkLessons from managing financial downturns and departmental cutsBecoming the first county in Oregon to implement eRecordingLaunching the Property Recording Alert Service for residentsUsing digital voting options for military and overseas votersThe value of accessibility, transparency, and proactive public serviceAdvice for young people entering local government careersㅤ🔗 Resources MentionedJackson County, Oregon – jacksoncountyor.govProperty Recording Alert Service (Jackson County program)Federal E-Sign ActUniform Electronic Transactions ActVotes App – secure voting option for military and overseas votersㅤGround Floor Government is hosted by Hugh Plappert of PhoneLive.io.