Chautauqua County Clerk Sandy Sopak made it official today...she will not be seeking a sixth term in office. Sopak has held the office since 1994. As she completes her 20th year in office, Sopak told WDOE News it was a difficult decision to retire.
Sopak-It was a difficult decision to make
Sopak has held the office since 1994 and was only the third woman to hold the office since county government began in 1811. Through numerous grants totaling more than $1.6 million, Sopak was able to upgraded clerk's recording and filing system with the latest technology.
Sopak-Biggest challenge was keeping up with changing technology here
Sopak's efforts have been recognized across the state and the country. In 1999, Congressman Amo Hougton recognized Sopak on the floor of Congress for the Award of Merit, presented by the National Genealogical Society, noting Sopak was the first county clerk ever to receive this award. After finishing her career, Sopak hopes to spend more time with her family. She believes she has left the office in good shape and ready for the next County Clerk who will be elected in November.
