Editor, the News-Herald:

We as voters have to make an important decision on Nov. 4, 2003. On that day, we will pick our next Clerk of Circuit Court.

There are a number of candidates out there who are making various claims about their qualifications and experience as a reason to elect them. As voters we must sort through this to make our choice.

One candidate, Barbara Gayle, has made the claim that her five years of service as a Deputy Clerk of court makes her the best candidate. When I looked at this claim more closely, I discovered something very interesting. Of her five years experience, only three months were in a Circuit Court Clerk’s office, that being in Suffolk. She left that office and went to work in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court in Portsmouth.

I would agree that both are courts. But the matters handled in Juvenile Court are different than those in the Clerk’s Office in Circuit Court. There are no land records or handling of wills in Juvenile Court.

Mrs. Gayle worked for Henry Murden. However, when it came time for Mr. Murden to endorse a candidate, he chose to endorse Randy Carter.

I have looked at Mr. Carter’s background and qualifications. His legal background and administrative experience are better than the other candidates. Mr. Murden was in the best position to know would make the best clerk.

I plan to vote for Randy Carter.

Thomas P. Johnson Jr.

Beechwood Drive