Former clerk Powell backs Linda Parrish

Editor:

I am writing in support of Linda Parrish in the upcoming special election on April 7 for the constitutional office clerk of the Circuit Court. I served as Circuit Court clerk from 1974 to 1995, and I have continued to use the services at the clerk’s office since then as an attorney. During that time Linda served as chief deputy clerk and developed into a calm, quiet, steady, competent clerk who always provided courteous, prompt service as she performed the many tasks that are part of the clerk’s responsibility. She has continued to serve as chief deputy until the recent resignation of Caroline Watts and has been dedicated to providing all citizens of Madison with a well organized and efficient office.

At the present time, the clerk’s office has been moved to a temporary location during remodeling and restoration of the circuit courthouse and clerk’s office. It is very important that Linda and the present staff remain in place during this transition because of her many years of experience managing Madison’s records and serving Madison’s citizens in this work. Proper and timely organization, indexing and maintenance of all court, probate and land records is an essential function of county government which is made more difficult and stressful during a dislocation for construction of new facilities. Linda has been through such a move before and I am confident that she is fully prepared to handle the relocation to the new clerk’s office and the reestablishment of all services with minimum disruption.

Unlike the other candidates, all of Linda’s experience is relevant to the Madison Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Most lawyers, realtors, surveyors, title examiners, genealogists and other patrons of the clerk’s office services recognize the importance of having people in the clerk’s office who have experience and knowledge of the people and history of the county.

Everyone should take the time to go to the polls on April 7 and vote for Linda Parrish to retain her services during this critical period.

John M. Powell
Madison County