Upon taking office, what steps would you take to restore credibility to the Clerk of Court’s office?
The first step I would take in restoring credibility in the Clerk of Court’s office would be to begin internally by holding myself and everyone in the office accountable for their actions. I would aim to be transparent and honest. I would immediately request an independent audit of the Clerk of Court’s Office resources to ensure there are no discrepancies. After the audit is completed, I would share the results with the citizens/taxpayers of Colleton County in a legal manner. Restoring the public’s trust is critical, and I will dedicate time to improving that trust.
•What is your understanding of the job of Clerk of Court for Colleton County?
The Clerk of Court plays a pivotal role in maintaining court records, ensuring proper documentation, and supporting the overall functioning of the legal system. This involves handling of paperwork, assisting with scheduling, and providing crucial administrative support to judges and other legal professionals. The Clerk of Court serves Circuit Court, Court of Common Pleas, and Family Court. The Clerk of Court is also responsible for managing the court docket, receipt of fees, fines, costs, maintaining all court records, and submission of reports to various state and federal agencies. In Circuit Court, the Clerk of Court is responsible for staffing security in the court room, receipt of warrants, collection and disbursement of court ordered child support payments, issuance of Rules to Show Cause to local law enforcement agencies. The Clerk’s office also assists citizens with filing documentation to obtain passports. The Clerk of Court also serves as a Register of Deeds which records all property transactions and records as required by state law. The Clerk of Court plays a vital role in making sure the history of our county’s records are preserved and protected.
•Clerk of Court requires effective management and utilization of resources, Can you provide an example of how you have demonstrated fiscal responsibility and efficiency in a previous role and how would you apply these principles in the role of Clerk of Court?
As the Jail Administrator for Sheriff Malone and Sheriff Strickland, I managed the county detention center. I oversaw the daily operations and procedures for 90 plus inmates and about 25 employees. The budget for the jail was unique because contained many different layers, budgets within a budget. For example, there was an individual budget for the inmate housing items such as mattresses, sheets, and pillows and a separate budget for food. Simultaneously, there was a budget for employee payroll and a budget for cleaning supplies. I cooperated with the County Administrator and the Budget Committee over a period of time and was able to develop spending forecasts to use at the beginning of the fiscal year. This allowed me to develop a system that helped me adjust for seasonal trends and or planned adjustments. I was able to use this strategy to make adjustments to spending and or it would he me stay within my budget. All of this was useful being that I had to determine what items were deemed important, a necessity, in an effort to operate the jail effectively and efficiently.
I would use these same principles in my role as the Clerk of Court to help effectively manage resources anytime during the fiscal year.
•Confidentiality and data security are paramount in handling court records, How do you propose maintaining the integrity of sensitive information while also promoting transparency and accountability in the management of court records?
As a law enforcement officer of 27 years, I recognize that guarding sensitive information is extremely important. I would maintain the integrity of sensitive information by strictly adhering to confidentiality protocols. This involves safeguarding physical and digital records. I would limit access to authorized personnel only and be very mindful of the discussions related to ongoing cases. I would also strictly enforce this policy among the Clerk of Court Staff.
