Hillsdale County clerk announces retirement, endorses deputy for position

HILLSDALE COUNTY — Hillsdale County Clerk Marney Kast has formally announced that she will not seek re-election in 2024, officially retiring at the end of her current term after 36 years of service to Hillsdale County.

Kast has served the past 15 years as clerk and endorsed her chief deputy, Abe Dane, who announced his campaign for election at the same time Kast announced her retirement intentions.

"Elections are one of the most complex duties in the clerk’s office, and Abe has an excellent working knowledge of elections," Kast said. "With continual changes in the law, whether it is with the courts or in elections, Abe has the motivation, ambition and enthusiasm to take on any new challenges. "

Dane is a graduate of Hillsdale College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and serves on the Litchfield City Council in addition to his responsibilities in the clerk's office.

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"It is an honor to have worked under such a knowledgeable county clerk as Marney Kast," Dane said. "I am humbled by the trust Marney and so many others have put in me to run for the office of Hillsdale County clerk. If the people of Hillsdale County choose to elect me, I will continue the tradition of running the clerk’s office with the same integrity that Marney Kast has done, and Tom Mohr before her."

Voters will see Dane's name on the Aug. 6, 2024, primary election ballot. As of Oct. 2, Dane is running unopposed.

— Contact Reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @cmurrayHDN.

This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Hillsdale County clerk announces retirement, endorses deputy