GWEN MARSHALL – Candidate for Leon County Clerk of Court
The office of the Clerk is a complex organization that performs a wide range of recordkeeping, information management and financial management in the judicial system and county government. The mission of the office should be to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of all of those we serve, while fulfilling our Constitutional Obligations. “I am running because I want to ensure that all citizens of Leon County, regardless of their economic status or background, will have equal access to our justice system.”
Aside from being underfunded, one of the biggest challenges for the Clerk of Court is the lack of the public’s understanding and overall awareness of the office. No office provided for in the Florida State Constitution is more important and has its functions less understood by the general public. When elected, I will be in our community, working with homeowners’ associations, civic clubs, and other local organizations to educate you on how the Clerk’s office can best be of service.
In addition, Florida has some of the highest court fees in the country. I would like to engage our judicial partners on creative ways that our indigent citizens can resolve outstanding traffic tickets and non-violent infractions without penalties. I also want to be an advocate for the people to address the policies that the Legislature sets for determining court fines and fees.
I have dedicated my career, for the last 17 years, advocating and serving the independently elected Clerks of the Circuit Court and Comptrollers for the State of Florida. My career has given me a unique understanding of the importance of the Clerk’s position. I will be prepared on day one to take on the challenges of the office. I pledge to work hard to serve the citizens of Leon County and continue to be a watchdog for our tax dollars.
“I want to ensure that ALL citizens of Leon County, regardless of their economic status or background, will have equal access to our justice system.”
Reminder to readers: This election will take place on August 30th.
