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.

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From 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.

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This conversation spans legacy, leadership, resilience, and a lifelong dedication to serving the public with integrity.

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👤 Guest Bio

Chris 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.

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📌 What We Cover

• The 113-year family legacy of public service in Jackson County
• The story of Sheriff August Singler and the history behind his service
• How local leadership continued through generations—from mayor to county commissioner
• Chris’s start in 1995 as an entry-level employee and path to County Clerk
• Lessons from managing financial downturns and departmental cuts
• Becoming the first county in Oregon to implement eRecording
• Launching the Property Recording Alert Service for residents
• Using digital voting options for military and overseas voters
• The value of accessibility, transparency, and proactive public service
• Advice for young people entering local government careers

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• Jackson County, Oregon – jacksoncountyor.gov
• Property Recording Alert Service (Jackson County program)
• Federal E-Sign Act
• Uniform Electronic Transactions Act
• Votes App – secure voting option for military and overseas voters

Ground Floor Government is hosted by Hugh Plappert of PhoneLive.io.