Penson, Gilliland vie for GOP nod in court clerk race

Challenger Bill Gilliland is taking on incumbent Barbara Penson for the Republican nomination in the Superior Court clerk race.

But what does the clerk of Superior Court actually do?

According to the mission statement of the Superior Court Clerk’s office on the Rome- Floyd County website, the office is responsible for filling, preserving and recording records as mandated by the State of Georgia. This includes real estate documents, criminal and civil court dockets and dockets on domestic suits. The office also provides court reporters for each of the four Superior Court judges in the county.

Penson is the current clerk, and she has held that position since being elected in 2008. She said while records are the main part of the job, she likes to think of her office as a place to help people.

“We always try to help with whatever we can. Even if our office can’t help with a particular issue, we point them in the direction of someone who can,” Penson said.

Penson said one of the things she is most dedicated to at the clerk’s office is the filling of temporary protection orders.

“We get those done as fast as we can to protect our citizens. They’re always done by the end of the day they come in,” Penson said.

Gilliland, a former Floyd County commissioner, said he decided to run because he believes in the importance of the office.

“Keeping records, especially court records, is something mandated by the state government,” he said.

Gilliland said he has been a member of the Republican Party since 1988. Penson originally ran as a Democrat when she was first elected and recently changed parties.

Gilliland said he is keen on maintaining the integrity of the office while integrating new technology to make it more efficient.

Both Penson and Gilliland agree that evaluating office staff is another important function of the position.

Penson said that knowing which court reporter works best with judges is key when creating the schedule for reporters.

Gilliland said he would work to identify the staff’s strength to ensure maximum efficiency.

The primary election is scheduled for May 24. The winner will take on Democrat Joan Ledbetter in November. She has no primary opposition.