Sharon Keller (R) – Register of Wills

(10/28) As the last blooms of summer give way to crisp fall nights, all of Frederick County knows that this election cycle is about to be over. By the time this letter publishes, most citizens will have done their candidate research, some of us will have voted early, but there are still some of us traditional holdouts who like to weigh their options up until election day.

Each year, I spend time thinking back on the many families that have come through our office doors; the hardships they faced, the difficulties they overcame. I am always reminded of the one thing they have in common - they lost a loved one and their life is now made different because of it. Death strips away money, knowledge and security; leaving the survivor to cope alone. Those deaths have shaped my view of compassionate service.

As your Register of Wills, I have served the people of Frederick County with honesty and integrity. Blending the law and a mission of service, always putting families first, is the foundation of all we do. I have over sixteen years of experience in the Register’s office - not as an administrative figurehead, but as a "hands-on" working Register of Wills. Last year, my office received a "Clear-No Findings Audit." This means my office managed your taxpayer dollars with the highest level of fiscal responsibility. I am proud of the bipartisan relationships I have forged. I received the Medallion of Excellence from Comptroller Peter Franchot. This is in recognition of my superior management of a state agency.

My opponent has run her campaign on the promise that she will bring a "new energy" to the office, that she will upgrade technology and bring a "very friendly atmosphere" to the office. My opponent runs on platitudes. I run on performance and experience. My opponent’s view on technology and customer service is limited by her lack of understanding of probate law and how the office operates as a state agency. I ask you to consider the following before placing your vote, when you experience the loss of a loved one, do you want a Register of Wills who will be able to assist you to the fullest extent, or an inexperienced novice?

Modernization has been a top priority. This includes a strategic approach to implementing robust technological upgrades. It is important to be forward looking. I am currently working with the other Registers to allow the acceptance of online filings for estates.

I have upgraded our office hardware including the latest models of computers, printers, postage meters, scanners, routers, servers and network switches allowed under state procurement laws. Second, I was the first Register of Wills in Maryland to adopt the Paper Reduction Act standards. We digitized all of our records and now generate all of our forms through our proprietary Register of Wills software. Third, I have made digital estate records available online to the public. These documents are available to the public for online download and purchase. Finally, I have had our office install the latest software upgrades, including Microsoft 365. All of these positive improvements to technology have not come at the loss of a human touch.

Providing experienced excellent public service has been my number one objective this term and will continue to be in the future. I have an open door policy which serves All people with the dignity and respect they deserve. Under my leadership, the estate administration process has become very efficient. Members of the public are able to meet with staff and open an estate on the same day they walk into my office. There are no automated phone banks - you always talk with an experienced live person. This is a level of efficiency not seen in most state agencies. In addition, I have an energetic staff that has accepted my challenge to participate in community public service including Toys-for-Tots, Hospice of Frederick County, Heartly House and the Elder Expo.

I challenge you to talk to your friends, neighbors and professionals in the legal community who have been in our office. They will certainly talk about the quality and friendliness that we provide in our service.