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Why am I running

Sharon Keller, Register of Wills

(5/2018) While Mother Nature has been slow to bring us spring; the campaign season is fast approaching and heating up. Now is the perfect time to say thank you and express my gratitude for your past support. Further, I would ask for your help as we move through the next several months toward the general election.

The Register of Wills’ office has accomplished much since the 2014 election. Just a few important highlights would be:

  • Archiving 192 boxes of original documents to Annapolis
  • Implementing the Paper Reduction Act of 2014
  • Modernizing our technology and automation
  • Implementing credit card payments as a convenience for the public
  • New policies for efficient in-house bonding of personal representatives
  • Numerous community service projects benefiting Frederick County organizations
  • A crystal clear report from the Office of Legislative Audits
  • Awarded the Comptroller’s Medallion for excellence and service

The job of Register is multi-faceted; requiring sound office management of a state agency and fiscally responsible reporting to the state treasury. It is a quasi-judicial position that requires a broad knowledge of the constantly evolving Estates & Trusts law and the skill to decipher complex legal issues that face many families. The Register of Wills must have a firm grasp of probate law, contracts, real estate and banking law; but must further have a mastery of ethics, guardianships, grief counseling and elder issues. A Register must provide professional, efficient and compassionate service to the public. Strong working relationships with attorneys and community leaders is vital.

With over fifteen years of experience in the office I have learned that one of the most important assets a Register can possess is a heart for service. Competent and trusted service is expected and deserved by the public during one of the most difficult times of life, the loss of a loved one. You can count on me and my staff to continue that spirit of service with an emphasis on excellence, always putting families first.

Looking toward the next four years, I will continue to provide excellent public service. Blending Maryland law and a mission of service that best meets the needs of Frederick County families. "Experience Counts – People Matter", is not just a campaign slogan. It rings true in the Register of Wills office every day.