PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Page Valley News will be publishing profiles of 10 local candidates in four contested county races in this fall’s elections beginning Aug. 14. These Q&As will be published around midday on Mondays and Thursdays and can be found on the “County” page.
Also in September, PVN will be broadcasting pre-recorded debates between the candidates in these four contested races through our new YouTube channel.
Shirron Ballard
- Age: 60
- Education: Judicial administration certification, Realtors license, bachelor’s degree in library science, master’s degree in history.
- Work: Employed 28 years at James Madison University Libraries.
- Family: Husband, Charles; daughter, Julia; son, Ben.
- Community Service: Mt. Carmel Christian Academy Annual Car Show, Heritage Association, Page County Farm Bureau, Election Officer.
• Why are you running for public office?
Documented deficiencies in performance by the auditor of public accounts, as well as comments on the street indicate that a change in leadership is needed in the clerk’s office.
Of all the individuals seeking the position my overall skill set, varied experiences, and work ethic position me to do the best job of serving the people of Page County and the court. In addition, anyone who is honest will admit that the remuneration package is attractive.
• What makes you the best candidate?
In addition to being detail oriented and organized, my work experience and educational background equip me to successfully serve as your Clerk. I have completed a court administration program through Michigan State University, and I have a VA Realtors license. My work experience includes record keeping, handling paper and electronic materials, data entry, preservation of print materials, staff supervision, administering oaths, working with land records, and with election ballots.
A recognition of the of suitability of my candidacy was with 212 votes cast I received 57 percent of the vote to upset the incumbent clerk for the Republican nomination.
• What is the most pressing issue facing the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office?
Record Management because it is vital for evidence, information, the rule of law, preservation of the county’s historic records, supporting other county offices like the Sheriff, Commissioner of Revenue and Registrar, and for supporting the judges in the preparation of legal documents and case files. The court speaks through its orders.
Record management has not received the attention it requires as apparent in court orders falling through the cracks resulting in people being detained longer than necessary, infringing on individual rights, and costing the taxpayers more money. This is also evidenced by the fact that the circuit court has not received a clean audit in seven years.
• What is one thing that you would like to change or improve?
I would implement continuing education opportunities for myself and the staff. This would include cross training to ensure the staff and I can assist each other in successfully performing multiple tasks by the required deadlines. Training and education enables us to advance our skills and understanding which translates to increased productivity and quality service to the court and the community.
• Briefly describe a decision you have made in a leadership role and tell why you made that decision.
Academic libraries, including the JMU Libraries, face ever-increasing pressure to cut costs while maintaining the level of services and materials needed to support teaching and research.
To meet this objective large amounts of data had to be compiled, analyzed, and reported in understandable language for decision making. I decided on how to tackle a project and present the information. I used overlap analyses, usage data, and pivot tables that resulted in about $130,400 in savings to the Libraries. In the same year, working on a consortia library project together with a coworker garnered another $200,000 in savings.
Early voting starts Sept. 22
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For election information visit the Page County Voter Registrar.
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Candidates set for 2023 election with six contested races on Page County ballot
After reading these candidate interviews, I am seriously considering not voting for a candidate for Commissioner of Revenue this fall. Can Page County just find an A.I. program that can run the office? Win, win..LOL
“Documented deficiencies in performance by the auditor of public accounts, as well as comments on the street indicate that a change in leadership is needed in the clerk’s office.”
Seems unfair to leave it at this, especially when paired by “comments on the street.” What were the deficiencies? How many? What kind, and each one’s specific impact on anything. Staff sabotage?
i’d say 7 failed audits is pretty substantial indication of something askew. you’re suggesting that candidates do an thorough investigation of the percieved operations of the office they campaign for? are there not folks employed by the State to do exactly that? copied from above article “ Record management has not received the attention it requires as apparent in court orders falling through the cracks resulting in people being detained longer than necessary, infringing on individual rights, and costing the taxpayers more money. This is also evidenced by the fact that the circuit court has not received a clean audit in seven years”. this impacts other county agencies as well, since the Sheriff’s budget seems to be a hot topic and is directly negatively affected by the above named deficiency. ive heard probate wait times have increased lately,as well. im voting for change, you vote your conscience.
“I’d say 7 failed audits is pretty substantial indication of something askew. You’re suggesting that candidates do an thorough investigation of the percieved operations of the office they campaign for? are there not folks employed by the State to do exactly that?”
Why yes I do, but not the candidates. That’s a job for the PN&C.
However if the audits are sealed information, and that information has been leaked, that would be a crime.
It’s public information. Not everybody has time to go to the Clerk’s office to view it. Just say what the results were from year to year, and compare it with past performances.