Candidates for Walker County clerk of Superior Court
By Staff report
Wednesday June 4, 2008 8:23:21am


The Republican and Democratic primaries will be held Tuesday, July 15. In a primary election, you vote either a Republican or Democratic ballot. Advance voting for this election is July 7-11. The deadline to register to vote for this election is June 18. Here are the candidates running for Walker County clerk of Superior Court.



REPUBLICANS

Carter Brown

How can voters contact you?

(423) 504-7067

Also sign up for email on my Web site at www.carterbrownforclerk.com

How long you have lived in Walker County?

I’m a native of Walker County.

Spouse and children’s names, ages, occupations

My wife Kelly is a certified occupational therapy assistant. She works with special needs students in Catoosa County.

Current/past professional/business experience

I’m a Marine Corps veteran, a Covenant College graduate, and I currently work in the accounting office at Covenant.

Clubs/organizations (including churches) and any offices held

My wife and I attend Chattooga Baptist Church, where I serve as a deacon.

Current/past political offices

I am a first-time political candidate.

What are your goals for the post for which you are running?

My staff and I will always remember that you, the taxpayer, pay our salary — we are there to serve you.

My goals as clerk are:

* To develop and lead a close-knit, stable, highly-skilled and motivated office team, dedicated to excellence and great customer service.

* Reduce or eliminate costly employee turnover.

* Ensure that information flows quickly, completely, and accurately to those who need it — judges, attorneys, law enforcement, other county agencies, title agencies, property owners, etc.

* Ensure that we have updated technology and procedures

* Work closely and cooperatively with the administrative judge, the commissioner, and other county agencies, sharing resources and serving the public together.

* Manage the office budget responsibly. Be accountable for collected court revenue and budgeted funds.

* Develop internal audit procedures that ensure financial and operations accountability.

Each one of my goals is built around leadership and teamwork. “True success is always a team effort.”


Alan Painter

How can voters contact you?

Email: vote@alanpainter.com

Web site: www.painter.com

Phone: (706) 866-8888

Fax: (706) 956-4008

How long you have lived in Walker County?

Since birth

Spouse and children’s names, ages, occupations

Wife, Tina, 6th-grade math teacher at Gordon Lee Middle School

Son, Will, college student

Current/past professional/business experience

Present: Software engineer, nuclear subcontractor, Department of Energy

Past subcontracts: NASA, U.S. Air Force

Past employers: manger of projects, Memorial Hospital; computer systems manager, Wheland Foundry

Clubs/organizations (including churches) and any offices held

Member, Oakwood Baptist Church, Chickamauga

Past chairman, American Red Cross

Former captain in the Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary

Managed communications personnel and government assets for the Southeast region (Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Puerto Rico Wings)

Current/past political offices

Former elected member, Walker County Board of Education

What are your goals for the post for which you are running?

For the latest, check “Big Ideas” at www.Painter.com

* Reorganization to improve justice and save tax dollars

While some would like just to hold office, I believe every election can showcase leadership. I have a “Big Idea” that will benefit Walker County for generations to come.

I propose the Magistrate Court (located across the street from the main courthouse) and the Elections Office (which is located in the main courthouse) swap locations. This can only be successful with a shared vision between Commissioner Bebe Heiskell, Magistrate Judge Jerry Day, and the board and professional staff at the Elections Office.

While this will cost one-time construction dollars (which could be covered by SPLOST funds and give some in the building industry much-needed short term work), the benefits would be endless.

This would eliminate the extra man power of the sheriff deputies team providing security across the street at the present Magistrate Court’s location and would also allow the X-ray security equipment to be relocated to the north end of the main courthouse (as a backup entry).

A magistrate’s new courtroom at the main courthouse could be shared with the probate judge when a formal court setting is required. And this could also be used by a superior (or state) court judge when smaller room (i.e., non-jury) proceedings are required.

The records personnel from across the street could be consolidated with the elected clerk of courts operations and that would create a uniform level of service never before seen in Walker County.

* Project “Safe Surrender”

This initiative provides fugitives on the run an opportunity to take their first step toward a second chance by surrendering to authorities, consulting with an attorney, and meeting with a judge, all while inside a host church.

This is not amnesty, but it is my hope that people who are wanted on non-violent warrants are given bond, a new court date, and more importantly the opportunity toward rebuilding families and community re-entry. (The Safe Surrender concept was created under the leadership of United States Marshall Peter J. Elliott)

* Display Ten Commandants at the courthouse

The moral compass at our courthouse has been lost. Another “Big Idea” is to bring the Ten Commandants, along with other historical documents, to be displayed in the public areas in the courthouse.


DEMOCRATS

Bill McDaniel

Incumbent

How may voters contact you?

Office: (706) 638-1742

Home: (706) 638-3004

Email: bill.mcdaniel@gscca.org

How long have you lived in Walker County?

All of my life

Spouse and children’s names, ages, occupations

My wife’s name is Janett. She is not employed outside the home.

Current/past professional/business experience

Clerk of Superior Court of Walker County since 1973.

Clubs/organizations (including churches) and any offices held

I am an attending member of Center Point Baptist Church and have been all of my life.

Current/past political officer

Clerk of Superior Court of Walker County

What are your goals for the post for which you are running?

My goal is to continue working daily keeping the clerk’s office always updates and current according to the legislature mandated to me. My number one priority is to serve the people of Walker County in whatever the need on a daily basis.


Jody Green

How may voters contact you?

Email: jody@votejodygreen.com

Home: (706) 638-6759

How long have you lived in Walker County?

35 years

Spouse and children’s names, ages, occupations

Shawn “Butterbean” Green, works at Bluebird North Georgia

Maverick Suits, 16 years old

Maxamus Studdard, 6 years old

Maggie Jo Green, 2 years old

Current/past professional/business experience

Walker County Sheriff’s office, 6 years as warrant clerk

Cardinal Equipment, 2 years Human Resource Manager

Wachovia Bank, 7 years sales representative

Clubs/organizations (including churches) and any offices held

Peavine Baptist Church, children’s Sunday school teacher and Awana Puggles teacher

Current/past political officer

None

What are your goals for the post for which you are running?

My main focus is to organize and modernize the clerk’s office.


Debbie Lawrence

How can voters contact you?

www.dlawforclerkofcourt.com

How long you have lived in Walker County?

Entire life, other than when I was in school and when I was working and resided in Atlanta and Stone Mountain for a year.

Current/past professional/business experience

I am currently doing project work with various law offices in the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit after having recently resigned from Propex Inc. as risk manager and legal coordinator.

34 years legal experience:

* Almost 11 years with Superior Court Judge William Ralph Hill Jr. following the opening of his private law practice in LaFayette, after serving as assistant district attorney in the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit.

* Upon obtaining my law degree in 1984, I worked in several local law offices in Walker, Catoosa, and Dade counties on a part-time basis and, with former District Attorney “Red” Lomenick on Catoosa County trial projects for approximately a year and a half.

* Spent 11 years with the law firm of Watson, Dana, and Peppers in LaFayette.

* Trial project work in Catoosa County with former District Attorney Ralph Van Pelt, current Superior Court judge of Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit.

* Part-time work with the former law offices of Gleason, Davis & Dunn and Harriss & Hartman law firms in Rossville for 1½ years.

* Returned to Watson, Dana & Gottlieb law firm in LaFayette in 1997, where I continued to work during the merger with the Minor, Bell & Neal law firm from Dalton, and the relocation to Battlefield Parkway for 11 years until accepting the position at Propex Inc. in February 2007.

Clubs/organizations (including churches) and any offices held

* Member of the First United Methodist Church of LaFayette

* Certified mediator with the National Council of Better Business Bureau since 1996.

* Member of the Georgia State Panel, the Tennessee State Panel and the National Panel of Consumer Arbitrators since 1997.

* Former certified Instructor and member of the American Red Cross Water Safety Swim Class Division for 16 years.

* Member of Red Hat Society Club, division comprised of Legal Professionals from the Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray and Gordon counties.

What are your goals for the post for which you are running?

My primary goal is to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Walker County clerk’s office in a way that provides more efficient and cost-effective service to the citizens of Walker County. Many citizens are directly affected by the operation of the clerk’s office. The clerk’s office is the central depository of all Walker County court records and Walker County deed records. I believe that my knowledge and the experience which I have gained during 34 years of work with the court system will enable me to work with the employees of the clerk’s office, other county officials and the Georgia Superior Court Clerk’s Cooperative Authority to upgrade and streamline the day-to-day operations of this office.

I would seek to obtain the best possible training, equipment upgrades and availability of funding for cost savings, in order to provide the best possible access to statewide information and service to the citizens of Walker County in compliance with the Georgia Courts Automation Commission and the administrative office of the courts.

When elected, I will serve the people of Walker County and work for the people of Walker County. Each person who has business with the clerk’s office will be treated with respect and courtesy.


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Nowsthetime
Comments: 5
Joined: 06/04/2008
06/17/2008 05:51:16 PM
youngpup - the "boom boom" room is obviously Bill's personal space. Who knows what's in there -- no one other than Bill and one of his female employees are the only ones allowed to go into that office. It has been noted that this employee has been seen coming out of that office wearing different clothes than what she came to work in, so maybe its her personal changing room.

 
youngpup
Comments: 41
Joined: 06/17/2008
06/17/2008 10:16:01 AM
I just have one question. Can anyone enlighten me on what this "boom boom room" that everyone keeps talking about is? All I know is that it is inside the courthouse and Bill is the only one with the key.
 
CLEARVISION
Comments: 63
Joined: 06/09/2008
06/13/2008 11:33:01 PM
WendallWhite: I am his age Wendell. And I disagree with you. I think a dignified retirement is something that is earned and should be enjoyed; however, if the job is not getting done, it's time for someone else to take over the position regardless of their age. You misread and misunderstood my post. I clearly stated that if the Clerk of Court's Office was modern, up-to-date and efficient, then I would not consider Mr. McDaniel's age and time on the job a factor. Your comment about things coming back to you is right on target. That is exactly why Mr. McDaniel has so much opposition.
 
WendallWhite
Comments: 24
Joined: 06/13/2008
06/13/2008 10:54:48 PM
Age should never be a factor. So many people think that once you reach 70 that you should be put away. The man gets up every day and goes to work. He may not do the best job, but he does do a good enough job because the Clerk's office is still getting things done. I can tell you about hundreds of younger people that can't even get their duffs out of bed once a week to work. Leave the guy alone about his age. That makes me angry. I hope that when you are that age that someone does not talk about you the same way. Things have a way of coming back to you.
 
CLEARVISION
Comments: 63
Joined: 06/09/2008
06/13/2008 10:31:11 PM
Mr. McDaniel has never done anything personally to me. We are talking about voting for the best candidate.

Or at least that is what I think we are talking about. It's not about who our buddies are. It's about who can do the best job.

Why do you think there are so many people running for this position?

I am down on Bill (to use your phraseology) because of the way he has conducted himself and carried out his duties as Clerk of Court in the past few years. He has been in this position for 34/35 years and he is 77/78 years old. He is fully vested in the retirement plan or should be. If the Clerk of Court's Office was modern, up-to-date and efficient, then I would not consider Mr. McDaniel's age and time on the job a factor.

The smart thing for Bill to do is gracefully retire, go fishing, spend time with his wife, enjoy his life, and let the next generation take their turn at managing the Clerk's Office and serving the citizens of Walker County. CV
 
mdsp
Comments: 162
Joined: 07/16/2007
06/12/2008 11:21:12 PM
My comment about employees came from people on this blog stating what they thought. I personally know several of Bill's employees and they feel the same way about him that I do.

You talk about that office being an embarrassment, do you work in the courthouse.

What as Bill ever done to you personally that would make you so down on im?
 
CLEARVISION
Comments: 63
Joined: 06/09/2008
06/12/2008 10:23:46 PM
MDSP... First of all, why do you think Bill McDaniel looks like the best candidate? You stated in your recent post which inferred that if Mr. Bill McDaniel has "an office full of employees who apparently are going around badmouthing him behind his back, then you "would tell them not to let the door hit them on the way out".

Personally, when I look at any office where all the employees are disgruntled, I think that more than likely the boss is responsible.

I am not sure what skeleton you are referring to; however; I am not now nor have I ever been an employee of the Clerk's Office.

But if you want to talk about skeletons, we can go there. CV
 
mdsp
Comments: 162
Joined: 07/16/2007
06/12/2008 05:44:11 PM
Bill looks like the best candidate to me! If I had an office full of employees who apparently were going around bad mouthing me behind my back I would tell them not to let the door hit them on the way out.

Clearvision:
You act as though you have one of Bill's skeletons.

 
CLEARVISION
Comments: 63
Joined: 06/09/2008
06/11/2008 10:32:41 PM
Vocal When Necessary !!!!!

After having read your blog in more detail, in which you stated "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Rest assured. It is broken. In the last 4 to 5 years, the Clerk's Office has been on a down hill slide. You mentioned in your statement as well that you would not want to cross him. My point exactly. Every citizen of Walker County should be treated the same by Mr. McDaniel whether he likes them or not. Why did you make that statement? He is working in an office that deals with the public every day and where he should be courteous to everyone. That is part of the job.

As far as his employees loving working for him, TAKE A POLL.
 
CLEARVISION
Comments: 63
Joined: 06/09/2008
06/11/2008 08:05:15 PM
Emerald----- Unless this Ordinance has been updated recently, it is 150 feet on the day of the election. I have made an inquiry to the County Attorney and if this is not correct, I will let you know. CV
 
Emerald
Comments: 31
Joined: 05/02/2008
06/11/2008 11:37:32 AM
And what is that distance?
 
CLEARVISION
Comments: 63
Joined: 06/09/2008
06/10/2008 10:41:56 PM
RayJ5 As far as campaigning at the Courthouse, I think it is unprofessional; however, it is not illegal. If you will check with the City Attorney and County Attorney (as far as any ordinance), you will learn that you are allowed to do so until the day of the election and then you have to keep your distance, CV
 
wellnow
Comments: 21
Joined: 06/10/2008
06/10/2008 07:23:25 PM
Vocalwhenneccessary......just a question, what do you mean when you say a Warrants clerk with the Sheriff's Department, a lady who has been connected with the elite for several years? I am not sure who I am going to vote for in this election except not for the "Big Ideal". Just trying to gather more information to make my mind up. Thanks.
 
CLEARVISION
Comments: 63
Joined: 06/09/2008
06/10/2008 10:56:39 AM
RayJay5 -------------

Tell us which Clerk of Court Candidate you are. I am not a candidate. Because I am not a Clerk of Court Candidate doesn't mean I don't have a clear understanding of what is taking place in the Clerk's Office. I wholeheartedly agree with you on your comment concerning campaigning at the courthouse. I wish someone would relay this information to Bill. Bill hands out cards and emery boards every day with campaign information on them. Thank you for your comments. Keep up your good work. We need to be a stop to this unethical behavior. CV
 
RayJay5
Comments: 42
Joined: 06/09/2008
06/10/2008 09:11:35 AM
Clearvision...please enlighten us and tell us which Clerk of Court candidate that you are. There should not be any sort of campaining done at the court house, period. The elections office is also located in the court house and it is illegal to be campaining within 150 feet of that office. That includes stickers and any campaign related materials.
 
CLEARVISION
Comments: 63
Joined: 06/09/2008
06/10/2008 08:53:39 AM
VOCAL WHEN NECESSARY -------

You are correct when you state that I have a solid grip on what is going on the Clerk's Office. You posed the question "Why so many people were down on Mr. McDaniel". I was simply trying to answer this for you; however, it is clear to me that you're living in the past. Bill has indeed been elected many times most of which he was unopposed. Now, all of a sudden, there are 4 people running against him. This says to me that I am not the only one who recognizes that this office is going down hill at a rapid pace. While you admit you are not the sharpest knife in the drawer, I admire your blind loyalty. You have your right to your opinion and your vote. It seems to me that my vote will cancel your vote on July 15th. CV
 
Vocalwhennecessary
Comments: 453
Joined: 04/10/2008
06/10/2008 05:30:59 AM
CLEARVISION............

Possibly you should run for Bill's office. You seem to have a solid grip on what's going on there. Me, when I'm forced to choose between a man who is a first time political candidate with no experience, a man with "Big Ideas" and nothing to back them up, a Warrant Clerk from the Sheriff's Department, a lady who has been connected with the elite for several years, and a man with 35 years of experience in the office for which he is running, I guess I'll have to go with the experience. Even though you state you're up on what takes place in the Walker County Superior Court Clerk's Office, morale there is non-existent, the running of the office embarrasses you and the citizens of Walker County (of which I am a non-embarrassed part), and that Bill's retirement is way past due, somehow Bill keeps getting elected. Fortunately it's going to take more than one vote to get him out of office. He must not be too much of an embarrassment for him to hold the office as long as he has. Then again......................just my opinion. As an added note, I don't believe another visit to the Clerk's office will enlighten me any more than I am. As far as becoming wiser, I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer but knowing Bill personally for over 30 years now, I don't think one more visit is going to change my mind. Thanks for trying though. I always like a challenge.


VWN
 
CLEARVISION
Comments: 63
Joined: 06/09/2008
06/09/2008 11:48:01 PM
RayJ5 Why is it okay for Bill to have someone hand out his cards on the courthouse steps, but it is not okay for someone to wear a sticker in the Courthouse for another candidate.

 
CLEARVISION
Comments: 63
Joined: 06/09/2008
06/09/2008 11:41:31 PM
Vocal when Necessary. Let me be vocal. What has Bill McDaniel done to get people down on him. Shows me that you know absolutely nothing about what takes place in the Walker County Superior Court Clerk's Office. I've been a close observer of this office for many years. The way this office has been operated in the past few years is an embarrassment to me and the citizens of Walker County. Bill McDaniel's retirement is way past due. The office is in desperate need of restructuring. The morale in the Walker County Superior Clerk's Office is non existent. But don't take my word for it. Just pay a visit to the Walker County Courthouse and ask anyone what goes on in that office. If they are not in fear of losing their job, I'm sure they will enlighten you. If you choose to pay a visit, I'm sure that you will become wiser and will learn a lot.

 
juga
Comments: 304
Joined: 02/05/2007
06/09/2008 08:19:43 PM
Regardless of what the person was wearing, he/she has a right to his opinion. That is America. Bill shouldn't have let it affect his professionalism. I am glad you haven't had a problem with anyone in his office. I am sure there are some who enjoy working for him. There are many who would tell all if they were not fearful of their job.

 
Vocalwhennecessary
Comments: 453
Joined: 04/10/2008
06/09/2008 12:38:49 PM
I agree with RayJay5 in that the person who entered the clerk's office with another person's campaign button on was probably asking for it. As far as Bill telling them to get out of his office, because of a button? Well, I wasn't there. As far as Bill's attitude toward different LE agencies, I've never had a problem out of anyone in his office. He's always been as polite and respectful to me as he could be, and bent over backwards to help me on several occasions. As for the agrument that he's been in office too long, that is no argument. How long is too long? That varies from person to person. Has he become complacent? I don't think so.

Look at Bill's opponents:

Carter Brown..........first timer.............no experience.

Alan Painter............software engineer...........created his own website for the purposes of this election........Wants to swap locations of offices (added expense)..........His main focus is to consolidate office space.........Wants to display the Ten Commandments at the courthouse.........that's good, but not enough to get him elected. Has no other experience for the office.

Jody Green...........Walker County Sheriff’s office, 6 years as warrant clerk.............Wachovia Bank, 7 years sales representative.........."My main focus is to organize and modernize the clerk’s office.".................not exactly earth shattering.

Debbie Lawrence.............has been in the current LMJC for a while now (same o', same o')..........."I am currently doing project work with various law offices in the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit after having recently resigned from Propex Inc. as risk manager and legal coordinator."...................Almost 11 years with Superior Court Judge William Ralph Hill Jr. following the opening of his private law practice in LaFayette, after serving as assistant district attorney in the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit.
(whoops!)....................Spent 11 years with the law firm of Watson, Dana, and Peppers in LaFayette.
(whoops again!).

Bill McDaniel.................35 years of experience of Superior Court Clerk of Walker County. His promises are simple............"My goal is to continue working daily keeping the clerk’s office always updates and current according to the legislature mandated to me. My number one priority is to serve the people of Walker County in whatever the need on a daily basis."

My opinion, for what it's worth and as already stated, "if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it." I commend Bill McDaniel for the job he has done and for the job he will continue to do after the election. If Bill sees something amiss, I know him well enough to know he's not going to play anyone's game. He'll stand his ground and fight. I know I wouldn't want to cross him. He knows his job and could do it in his sleep. His employee's love working for him. Above all, he is dedicated to serving the voters who put him into office, and the one's who voted against him. He's there to do a job and he does it well.

Again..........(whew!...)...........My opinion.


VWN






 
RayJay5
Comments: 42
Joined: 06/09/2008
06/09/2008 12:08:07 PM
Even though I would never vote for Bill, it really is not nice to go into the Clerk's office with another candidates sticker on. I think that person was asking for it. Then again, Bill should have just ignored them because of their futility. I would say that they did that on purpose.
 
juga
Comments: 304
Joined: 02/05/2007
06/09/2008 11:58:09 AM
VWN, it would be wrong of me to say the things I have heard because I have not witnessed it myself. To discuss rumors about peope is wrong whether they are in the political world or not. Many of his employees could be more of a help in that area.

I do know someone that went into his office and had another candidate's button, sticker, etc. and he told them to get out of his office. As of right now, he is the clerk of court and there is business people have to attend to whether they plan to vote for him or not. Also, his attitude toward people that work for law enforcement and other agencies has become somewhat negative.



 
RayJay5
Comments: 42
Joined: 06/09/2008
06/09/2008 11:56:23 AM
Bill is a nice old gentleman. BUT...the office needs updating. He does not have the skills to do such a job. Alan Painter was useless on the school board. He always teamed up with Randy Bryant and did what he wanted him to do.

 
Vocalwhennecessary
Comments: 453
Joined: 04/10/2008
06/09/2008 10:00:37 AM
juga............

"As far as what Bill has done, it is more like what he hasn't done. It is time for a change. He has been in there too long."

Please allow me to ask my question a different way. What "hasn't" Bill McDaniel done that he should have done?

I'm not trying to put anyone on the spot here, but for the life of me I can't understand what he's done to turn people against him. He's been cooperative with LE, judicial contacts, and the public alike. To tell you the truth, he's the only "constant" in the present corrupt judicial system. His morals cannot be questioned. You never hear of anything he has done to draw attention to himself. His job, for the most part, is a thankless one and his office is and has been beyond reproach.

VWN
 
juga
Comments: 304
Joined: 02/05/2007
06/09/2008 09:36:00 AM
Alan Painter has no business being in any kind of office. While on the school board, he had no idea what he was doing. He just doesn't have it. I personally feel he should just stay out of politics. It seems so many people believe that money will fix problems. It doesn't.

As far as what Bill has done, it is more like what he hasn't done. It is time for a change. He has been in there too long.

 
Vocalwhennecessary
Comments: 453
Joined: 04/10/2008
06/09/2008 09:24:41 AM
Will someone tell me what Bill McDaniel has done wrong to warrant taking him out of office? Bill has helped many people in Walker County over the years. You can always talk to him on the telephone and he goes out of his way to return all calls. Ever heard of the expression "if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it"?

VWN
 
RayJay5
Comments: 42
Joined: 06/09/2008
06/09/2008 09:02:00 AM
You are so right! I would not put it past Alan to run for governor in 2010.
 
JTScott
Comments: 26
Joined: 06/09/2008
06/09/2008 08:38:41 AM
It looks like not many people are interested in this race. It is time for Mr. McDaniel to go. They need new blood in that office and I think that it should be Carter Brown. He seems to be very balanced and very concerned about serving the people. Alan Painter is all about himself.
 
Emerald
Comments: 31
Joined: 05/02/2008
06/05/2008 02:41:01 PM
Thanks Mr. Painter for a great laugh today! I thought Republicans stood for no new taxes? Wow! You are wanting to spend some real tax dollars in Walker County. Besides spending the tax dollars, what in the world does moving everyones office have to do with increasing productivity in the clerks office? Your campaign should read Big Man, Big Ideas, Big SPENDER! It appears that you are seeking a religious experience at this time. Hopefully it is not for political reasons. This is not the big league, it is a local county race.
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