First candidate for Craven County Clerk of Superior Court declares run
Craven County Clerk of Superior Court Terri Sharp says she will seek reelection in 2022, running for a third term.
Stopping the practice of law in 2012, entered the clerk of court's office under the appointment by Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Benjamin G. Alford.
Sharp officially ran for her first full term for the clerk of court in 2014. Running as a Democrat, Sharp beat Republican candidate Mark Griffin with 52% of the vote.
In 2018, Sharp won again, this time by a slim 462 vote margin to Republican candidate Lexanne Vernelson Huffman.
"In 2012, I left the practice of law and entered public service as the Clerk of Court to work full-time for you. I am proud to be part of a wonderful team of 32 assistant and deputy clerks who work hard for our Craven County residents," Sharp said.
With more than 35 years of legal experience, Sharp says she has been involved in every area of the law that comes before the clerk of court as Probate Judge. Managing civil and criminal cases and served as public administrator for estates and public guardian prior to entering public service.
The Clerk of Court serves as Probate Judge and presides over hearings in court in exclusive areas including the decedent's estates, land partitions, foreclosures, adoptions, and competency determinations. The position also does not make policy or handle a budget and is required to follow the law in all respects.
Sharp is the administrator, comptroller, record keeper, and supervisor of a staff of 32 clerks and is responsible for the receipt and disbursement of approximately $7,000,000 that flows through the Craven County Courthouse on a yearly basis.
COVID-19 played its role in courtrooms across the country. Sharp points to a long list of accomplishments during her tenure including implementation of video first appearances in the district and superior courts, streamlining jury orientation, and a digital directory.
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"All of these accomplishments, and many others not mentioned, have improved customer service and efficiency in our courts," said Sharp. "We work closely with county officials to manage the courthouse and its services which are the hub of the justice system."
Sharp is a member of the NC Conference of Clerks of Superior Court, NC State Bar, Craven County Bar Association, 3B Judicial District/4th Prosecutorial District Bar for Craven, Pamlico, and Carteret Counties, NC Real Estate Commission, New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce, Havelock Chamber of Commerce, New Bern Historical Society, Coastal Women’s Forum, Coastal Women’s Shelter, Coastal Community Action, Inc.
She was appointed to the NC Domestic Violence Commission Board in 2018 and reappointed in 2021.
"I will continue to be open, honest, and discreet in my work with the public. It is my intention to file for re-election to a third term so that we can continue with the good work of our office," added Sharp.
Reporter Trevor Dunnell can be reached by email at tdunnell@newbernsj.com. Please consider supporting local journalism by signing up for a digital subscription.
This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Craven County clerk of superior court Terri Sharp to run in 2022
