Brueggeman seeks to hold Clerk position

The Grant Tribune-Sentinel is publishing previews of candidates in uncontested races to help readers learn more about those seeking office ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Additional candidate previews may appear in upcoming issues.

James Brueggeman is running unopposed for Perkins County Clerk. His responses to the Tribune’s candidate questionnaire follow.

1 Why do you want to serve?

I want to serve Perkins County because this is my home and I genuinely care about people, the county, our county government, and way of life here.  I’ve been the incumbent County Clerk for just over one year now since I was appointed to fill a vacancy in the office created by the retirement of longtime County Clerk Rita Long in January 2025. Prior to being in the Clerk’s Office I was the incumbent Perkins County Sheriff for well over 20 years..

2 What qualifications or background do you have that makes you a good candidate?

 I began my county government career in 1991 at the Buffalo County Jail when I was attending college and have worked in county government since then.  I have worked full-time for Perkins County for 30 years, Keith County 4 years, and a number of years part-time in Chase County.  I’ve worked in many county positions and been involved in a number of facets of county operations.  The County Clerk must work closely with all county offices, officials, employees, and the public, so having this background makes me a good candidate for the office.

3 What do you think you can contribute to the position?

I bring many years of service, government knowledge, networking, planning and organization, along with a proven ability to get the job done to the positions I hold within our county government.  Since being appointed County Clerk in February 2025, I’ve attended many training courses relevant to my new positions, upgraded payroll and accounts payable software, implemented the newest version of the election software used in our office, purchased new office furniture to give employees more room to work on the tasks we perform in the Clerk’s Office, as well as started modernizing the office and digitizing office records in January 2026 for easier and quicker accessibility.

4 What important immediate goals will you address if elected?

 If elected, I will continue operating the office courteously and efficiently while building upon the years of work put in by the previous County Clerks and their employees.  I will work to continue implementing the vision I have to modernize the office for the future.  I plan to examine each duty we perform as County Clerk, Election Commissioner, and Register of Deeds so improvements can be made when and where needed.

5 What sets you apart from your opponent?

 My loyalty, service, vision, and willingness to always put in the time necessary to get the job done so our county government continues to run smoothly and efficiently.

6 Other issues you wish to address?

 I firmly believe you get the biggest return for your tax dollar at the local government level where officials are accountable and responsive to the people.  I would like to encourage the public to participate more in local government, stop in, ask questions, learn more about all the functions your county government does on a daily basis, and provide us with constructive input.  The connection and trust built between the community and its elected officials is important for local government to meet the expectations and needs of its constituency.

7 Current occupation and length of employment?

I currently serve Perkins County in many capacities such as Perkins County Clerk, Election Commissioner, Register of Deeds, Emergency Manager, 911 Administrator, and Budget Preparer.  I’ve been the County Clerk for a little over a year and previously served in law enforcement here for almost 29 years.

8 Personal life, spouse, children, etc.?

 My wife is Andrea Brueggeman.  Andrea works at Pinnacle Bank and serves on Grant City Council.  My oldest son Derek Brueggeman currently serves as the Grant City Manager.  My daughter in law is Kayla (Woodmancy) Brueggeman and she serves as the Perkins County Deputy Emergency Manager and Communications/E-911 Supervisor.  I have one granddaughter, Adelynn Brueggeman, daycare/Pre-K, who keeps everyone on their toes.  My youngest son is Deitrik Brueggeman and he serves as a police officer with the Ogallala Police Department.  We all enjoy getting together on the weekends to catch up after a busy work week.