Hamilton County is very fortunate to have a number of able people in important offices up for re-election. They should be enthusiastically re-nominated May 4 in their respective Democrat and Republican primaries, then re-elected in the county general election in August.
(Each voter may ask on May 4 for a ballot in either the Democrat primary or the Republican primary — but not both. Then those nominated in the May 4 primaries will be listed on the August general election ballot.)
In the May 4 Democrat primary, we recommend County Clerk W.F. “Bill” Knowles, Circuit Court Clerk Paula Thompson, Criminal Court Clerk Gwen Tidwell and Juvenile Court Clerk Ron Swafford.
In the May 4 Republican primary, we recommend Register of Deeds Pam Hurst.
County Clerk Bill Knowles has served excellently for almost 36 years — a record for that office. We look forward to his continued good service. He prepares the minutes of the County Commission meetings, but most citizens deal with Mr. Knowles’ office when they buy automobile licenses or marriage licenses, or need other of the county clerk’s varied services.
Circuit Court Clerk Paula Thompson is seeking her third term in managing the records for civil legal actions in all divisions of our Circuit Court. She has a record of excellent service.
Criminal Court Clerk Gwen Tidwell is seeking to extend her 17 years in managing the records of the cases in our Criminal Courts. She is highly respected for her performance of her important duties.
Juvenile Court Clerk Ron Swafford has served faithfully and well in his present post since 1998, and certainly should continue handling the records of that important court.
Register of Deeds Pam Hurst has been in that position since 1994. She and her staff faithfully keep a variety of important public records, including such things as property deeds, and has them on permanent file.
These are officials who may not often be “in the news,” but who perform vital functions for our county and us all. We look forward to having their good service approved in the May 4 primary elections.