A quartet of candidates are vying to become the next Lowndes County Circuit Clerk.
Republican candidate Teresa Barksdale, Libertarian Sheri Taylor Bedwell, Independent Tim Heard and Democrat Joseph Mickens are all seeking to replace Haley Salazar.
Salazar, who has served as Lowndes County’s circuit clerk for 24 years, will retire at year’s end.
Barksdale, who currently works a deputy clerk in the circuit clerk’s office, has worked in the office for 20 years. She said in The Dispatch’s 2015 Lowndes County Voter Guide that she already works closely with local law enforcement and the court and judicial system. She said she will work with local leaders and the public to carry out the office’s duties.
Bedwell has previous experience in banking and human resources. She is involved with the community through the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion and as the president, and previously treasurer, of the Golden Triangle Human Resources Association.
She said she hopes to create a more efficient office by establishing open lines of communication. She also said improved online services could increase efficiency.
Heard is a systems computer analyst who has 15 years of experience on the East Mississippi Community College board of trustees and currently serves as secretary for the Mississippi University for Women Federal Credit Union Board. He has worked with the circuit clerk’s office and those of the other Golden Triangle Planning and Development District counties through his position as director for computing services with the GTPDD.
Heard provides computer technology to a broad array of local government offices through his work. If elected, he said he would like to utilize technology more in the office for means such as electronic poll books, contacting jurors or prospective jurors and making court records more mobile friendly for searching.
Mickens currently serves as the city of Columbus’ Ward 2 Councilman. He pointed to his four years of experience with the city council and his personal business experience as positives for leading the circuit clerk’s office.
Mickens said he hopes to be hands-on and approachable, if elected, with a focus on customer service accessibility, technology and timeliness.
Circuit clerk pay is fee-based, with a $90,000 salary cap.
Three additional contested local races are on the ballot Tuesday
Incumbent Republican District 1 Supervisor Harry Sanders will face independent challenger Phillip Atkins.
Incumbent Republican Chancery Clerk Lisa Younger Neese will face Democratic challenger Andre Deforrest Roberts.
Incumbent Democrat Constable for District 1 Wille “Hoot” West will face Republican challenger Chris Griffin.
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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