Austin Haynes, a commercial developer, has announced that he will be running against Michelle McQuigg, the incumbent, for the Clerk of the Court seat.
Haynes and McQuigg will be up against one another for the Republican primary for Clerk, which is on June 9.
According to Haynes, the Clerk position needs to be less about politics and more about solid management.
“The Clerk of the Court’s Office should not be about public policy…It is the administrative function for the Circuit Court. The job is to be the administrator of everything you do with your land records, gun records, marriage licenses – all of the official documents of the court,” said Haynes, continuing, “It is a management position. It needs professional management.”
Haynes said that his opponent had done an ‘OK’ job as the Clerk, but he doesn’t feel that it’s good enough.
“I think that our current Clerk has done an ‘OK’ job. But I would tell you this – you are electing the third highest paying position you can vote for in Prince William County – is ‘OK’ good enough,” asked Haynes.
During his campaign for Clerk, Haynes intends to address the need for better customer service, technological updates to office processes and more security.
“One of the first things I would do is have a full technology audit – both of hardware and software,” said Haynes.
To demonstrate his technological acumen, when Haynes hosted his first campaign event, only using social media to spread the word.
Haynes previously served on the Soil and Water Board for Prince William County for six years, prior to leaving to take a job in Richmond. Haynes also ran for City Council several years ago and lost by a slim margin.
Additionally, Haynes was the President of the Boy’s and Girls Club in the area for two years, doing extensive charity work to fundraise for the community.
Haynes has lived in the area for 27 years with his wife. They have two children.
