Melba Scoggins also has several years of experience in serving the people of Bartow County. For 27 years, she worked as the Criminal and Jury Clerk, where she supervised all criminal and court proceedings. Scoggins has lived in Rydal for the past 30 years and is a member of Pleasant Olive Baptist Church as well as the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce. She also volunteers with Relay for Life.
Name: Gary Bell
Occupation: Bartow County Clerk of Superior Court
Education: Cartersville High School graduate, Floyd College, Superior Court Clerk's Certification through UGA's Carl Vinson Institute of Government
City of residence: Cartersville
Family: I'm married to Lisa Bell, who is the Communications Coordinator for Cartersville City Schools and serves as President of the Cartersville Schools Foundation, Inc., where she oversees the GateKey Scholarship Program for at-risk students as well as other programs that assist the students and staff. We have three sons. Clark is majoring in music at Jacksonville State University in Alabama and Tanner has just completed his first year of college at Georgia College & State University and is majoring in mass communications. Jack will be a senior at Cartersville High School.
Contact: garymbell@ yahoo.com or 770-547-4197.
Why did you decide to run for this particular race?
A: I have been serving the citizens of Bartow County as their Clerk of Superior Court since being elected in 2001 and have appreciated the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I wish to continue serving Bartow County because I love what I do and have seen the positive impact of the changes made in the office under my leadership. I wish to continue to move the clerk's office in a positive direction and want to continue working to keep Bartow County's Superior Court Clerk's office one of the best in the state.
If elected, what do you want to accomplish?
A: I have already made positive changes to all aspects of the office since 2001. I want to continue to serve the public in an efficient and positive manner while keeping up with law changes implemented by the legislature. The deed room has already been expanded, but I would like to find a way to increase the space available for the public to research records. I have had all deeds and plats dating back to the 1800s digitized and would like to make these records easily accessible. In 2001, we began scanning all documents filed in the office in order to properly safeguard records. I want to make sure this process continues. I had planned on replacing all computers in the office during my next term, however this was accomplished earlier than anticipated. Twenty-eight new computers were delivered to the office Thursday at no cost to the taxpayers or office budget. We received these computers from the Clerk's Authority because our office has continued to meet specific requirements set by the Authority. I want the office to continue to be a leader in the state when it comes to meeting all requirements of the Clerk's Authority.
What is the most pressing issue facing the Clerk of Court's office?
A: Implementing legislative changes. Two years ago, legislative changes required the Clerk of Superior Court to oversee the Board of Equalization (BOE). We are in the process of upgrading technology for the BOE to make their hearings move along even more efficiently. We have legislative changes coming next month that will also affect other departments in the office. I want to make sure we continue to address all of these changes efficiently and at the least cost to the county budget.
Once in office, what will your top priority be?
A: I will continue to make customer service a top priority. Prior to my taking office, customers were met by sliding glass windows at the customer service counters. Since 2001, customers have been met with a smile and helpful attitude. In my first term in office, we literally took down walls and opened the office to make it user-friendlier. We've been able to continue to serve the public in a friendly and efficient manner even with the budget cuts impacting the number of staff and staff hours, including the recent loss of non-replaceable employee positions due to retirements. Again, as mentioned above, staying current with legislative changes is always a priority.
Why are you the best candidate for the position?
A: I have served as Bartow County's Clerk of Superior Court for the past 12 years and know all aspects of the job. The clerk's office is more than jury management. The clerk is responsible for five different divisions and a staff of 20. I have kept the clerk's office under budget since 2001 and have made several improvements to all areas of the office. I have been accessible to the public 24/7 by providing my business card with personal cell phone number to everyone that has come into the office. I have changed the dynamics of the office by hiring staff members who go above and beyond when it comes to serving the public. All of the positive changes in the office come because of a team of people working together to make sure we provide the best service possible to the citizens of Bartow County.
Name: Melba Scoggins
Occupation: Former Jury Clerk/ Criminal clerk for Bartow County Clerk of Superior Court
Education: Graduate of Fairmount High School, attended Dalton State College
City of residence: Rydal
Family: Married to Myron Scoggins for 30 years; Daughters: Morgan, married to Mack King; and Mallory Scoggins
Contact: Melba4clerk@gmail.com
Why did you decide to run for this particular race?
A: My decision for running for Clerk of Superior Court is due to several factors. I definitely have the experience and skills necessary to serve as Clerk of Superior Court and I firmly believe I can provide efficient leadership to the citizens of Bartow County and to be a good steward of the finances of the office. Ultimately, my decision to run for political office was based on my desire to represent the clerk's office in a professional and efficient manner. I believe elected officials are held to a higher standard and I look forward to serving Bartow County and being accountable to the taxpayers.
If elected what do you want to accomplish?
A: I will definitely eliminate unnecessary spending. I intend to implement various technology tools, as county funds are available, which will enable citizens to easily access information. I will meet with the county information technology staff to develop and create a website containing jury information, court calendars and the ability to print various legal forms. I will establish and maintain working relationships with elected officials. I will strive to create a work environment in which the staff will be appreciated, valued and supported.
What is the most pressing issue facing the Clerk of Court's office?
A: I believe the most pressing issue is the preservation of all documents recorded in the clerk's office. The clerk's office maintains all legal documents which include property deeds, notaries, civil lawsuits, criminal records and adoptions. The majority of these records are retained permanently. We have records dating back to the 1800s. We need record retention policies and procedures, using technology when possible, to preserve the past and plan for the future.
Once in office what will be your top priority be?
A: Most definitely the challenge will be trying to provide excellent service while faced with less funds. At the top of my priority list will be the implementation of new procedures involving receipting and disbursement of fines, fees, child support and restitution. Monies collected should be disbursed in a timely manner.
Why are you the best candidate for the position?
A: I have the hands-on experience of working in the judicial system for 30 years. I have the desire, dedication and leadership skills necessary to serve as your next Clerk of Court.