On November 7th, you have the privilege and responsibility of electing your clerk of court. All three candidates are experienced in courtroom procedure. However, one candidate stands out above the others.
Having worked in the clerk’s office for more than three decades, I know firsthand that the clerk’s job is not about taking notes in the courtroom or proofing passport applications. With proper training, these are the jobs of deputy clerks.
Rather, the clerk’s job includes ensuring the conservation and protection of county records which includes long term planning for the county’s record keeping system and the continual updating of automation used for county records such as deeds, wills and marriage licenses. The clerk must also prepare and submit three separate budgets each year, without which the office cannot operate. And the clerk has to stay abreast of changes in the laws of the Commonwealth, oversee the training of the employees, and supervise the operations of the office. Rob Hiatt is experienced in these areas and is ready to run the clerk’s office.
Rob, a life-long resident of Patrick County, has a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice with a minor in political science. As the director of the 27th District Court Service Unit, he currently oversees employees in eight localities; six counties and two cities. He is well versed in employee supervision and training, developing and administering budgets and grants, and maintaining and protecting confidential records. Rob has experience in both courtroom procedure and in running a complex office, and he has the desire and commitment one needs to be a public servant working for every citizen of Patrick County.
Please join me on November 7th in voting for a man of integrity with experience and a genuine willingness and dedication to help people; please cast your vote for Robert “Rob” M. Hiatt for clerk of court.
Susan C. Gasperini
