On one side stands experience and tenure. On the other stands youth and energy.
Independent Haley Salazar, the incumbent, and Republican Justin Shelton will face off Nov. 8 in the Lowndes County Circuit Clerk election. They spoke at the Columbus Exchange Club Thursday, pitching a portion of their campaign platforms and hoping it will stick with those in attendance.
The circuit clerk maintains the voter rolls, assists election commissioners in purging the voter rolls and assists election officials in conducting elections. Circuit courts have original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters not vested exclusively in another court, and the circuit clerk is in charge of all court records.
While Salazar touts her knowledge of the position, currently serving her fifth term as circuit clerk, Shelton promotes the idea of fresh blood.
“During my tenure, we’ve never had an election contested in this county,” Salazar said. “We think we’ve accomplished a lot of things in my tenure.”
“I appreciate the current clerk, and I don’t want anyone to think I hold any ill will. … I think I can improve it,” Shelton said. “I think it’s time for a change.”
Shelton is a local businessman and co-owner of The Columbus Packet. He believes his business-heavy background makes him a good match to be the next circuit clerk. Shelton previously said he wants to make the circuit clerk’s office paperless to streamline the process and make the office more effective.
“I watch my pennies and I run my business — I won’t say with an iron fist but — pretty close to the vest.”
According to Salazar, the most important item on the circuit clerk’s agenda in 2012 will be implementing the new voter redistricting plan before next year’s election, and experience is needed to effectively execute the redistricting map.
“Next year will be a busy year,” Salazar said. “It will need someone to hit the ground running and not be for someone to learn (on the job).”
Salazar, 57, is a graduate of Caledonia High School and attended East Mississippi Community College and Mississippi University for Women.
Shelton, 37, graduated from Heritage Academy and the University of Mississippi. He is a past Lowndes County Park and Recreation Authority president and board member. He currently serves on the North Mississippi Railroad Authority and North Mississippi Chrysalis board.
The Exchange Club will host two candidates in a local election each Thursday at the Columbus Country Club as the general election approaches. The candidates in the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors District 5 race, Democrat and incumbent Leroy Brooks and independent Roger Larsen, will speak Thursday.
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Haley Salazar, the incumbent and currently serving her fifth term as circuit clerk, speaks to Columbus Exchange Club members Tuesday about her experience and why it will prove valuable for the next circuit clerk term. Photo by: Devin Golden
