Sharp and Huffman to face off again for Craven County Clerk of Court

Incumbent Terri W. Sharp will once again face Lexanne Huffman for the office of Craven County Clerk of Court.

Sharp, who is a Democrat, is a graduate of N.C. Wesleyan College and holds a law degree from N.C. Central University School of Law. She was appointed to the office on Oct. 1, 2012. Two years later, she officially ran for the office and was elected on Nov. 4, 2014, and has held the position since that time.

She is a lifelong resident of Craven County and resides in Trent Woods with her husband Reid, an inspector with NCDOT in Jacksonville. They have one son who is a freshman at ECU. They are members of Christ Episcopal Church.

Huffman, a Republican and who was defeated by Sharp in 2018 by 462 votes, is a paralegal with The Carolina Law Group. She is a 1978 graduate of New Bern High School and received her associate's degree from Hardbarger's Business college. She and her husband George have been married for 41 years and they have two sons and two grandchildren.

Candidates were sent questionnaires by the Sun Journal in advance of the Nov. 8 election. Here are their responses:

1. What is the best way to contact you?

Sharp: By email at terri.w.sharp@nccourts.org or by telephone at my office at 252-639-3021

Huffman: Voters may contact me at Lexanneforclerk@gmail.com, on Instagram @huffmanforclerkofcourt and on Facebook at facebook.com/lexannehuffman or facebook.com/Lexannehuffmanforclerkofsuperiorcourt.

2. What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate?

Sharp: I have 10 years of experience working full-time as elected clerk of superior court having been appointed in 2012, elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018. I was appointed due to my background as an attorney with experience in all matters before the clerk of court as probate judge, ie, estates, guardianships, competency, foreclosures, land matters, adoptions, and 40+ civil matters. The clerk of court is the comptroller of court funds, administrator, record keeper, and employer of 32 staff. With over 35 years in the legal field, I am the only candidate with extensive legal and clerk of court experience.

Huffman: I have over 40 years of experience in the legal field, and have spent over 31 years of that legal career serving the people of Craven County and the State of North Carolina. I am genuinely grateful for this opportunity, and I now desire to create a clerk’s office that is efficient, very user-friendly, and will better serve all of our residents in Craven County. I am the only candidate who has both criminal and civil court experience. I believe this experience, combined with my extensive leadership skills, strong work ethic, and pledge for an open-door policy and complete transparency makes me the most qualified candidate.

3. What do you read to stay informed on issues?

Sharp: As an attorney, I am trained to stay informed about changes in laws related to my judicial office. I serve on the committee for the rewrite of the clerk of superior court procedures manual. I serve on the board of Havelock Chamber of Commerce and N.C. Domestic Violence Commission. I am a member of the Coastal Women’s Forum, New Bern Historical Society, New Bern Chamber of Commerce, and N.C. Conference of Clerks of Superior Court.

Huffman: There are so many resources that I use to stay informed on important issues. A few of those resources are our NC general statutes and legislative updates, The Carolina Journal, The New Bern Sun Journal, readync.gov, ncdhhs.gov, ncpolicywatch.com, Instagram and Facebook.

4. If elected, what would you do to stay transparent as an elected official?

Sharp: I will continue to be open, honest and discreet in my work for the public as clerk of court and probate judge. I work each day to help the public navigate through our court system in the best way possible. When you come to see me about an issue, I will do my best to help you resolve it within my abilities as your clerk of superior court and probate judge.

Huffman: As an elected official, I think honesty and discretion are imperative. I would stay transparent by initiating an open-door policy for my office. I think it is so important to be available to the public, my staff, county officials, and all ancillary agencies that work with the clerk of court's office. Open communication is really vital in this position. While many of the reports and documents handled by the clerk's office cannot be disclosed to the public, I would ensure that all records and data that can be, are made available. Transparency and accountability are critical for any public office and elected official.

5. What do you think is the most important issue for the seat you are running for and how do you want to resolve it? How has current leadership addressed the issue?

Sharp: It is important that the clerk of superior court’s position be held by someone who works for everyone and has the skills and legal ability to make important decisions, including judicial decisions as Probate Judge. Our office employs the best assistant and deputy clerks in the state providing wonderful and efficient customer service. Our court system is scheduled to undergo a massive change in the way we operate with efiling and a paperless workplace. As the hub of the judicial system, we are often the first access to justice the public encounters. Our staff is well prepared to handle whatever changes come our way.

Huffman: I think the most important issue for our Craven County Clerk's Office is the need to improve the administration and efficiency of the office staff. Craven County has 32 assistant and deputy clerks that serve under the leadership of the elected clerk of court. It is critical that each employee receives the proper training and support, and that the elected clerk possesses the skills necessary to keep our courts running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. It is crucial that the court records are accurate and properly maintained. It is also vitally important that the clerk's office becomes more automated as they work very closely with the judges, district attorney, attorneys, and our administrative office of the courts. The current clerk does not possess a working knowledge of all divisions, the forms that are to be used, and the procedures that must be implemented to ensure the integrity of each case filed.

This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Sharp and Huffman to face off again for Craven County Clerk of Court