Potomac Local sent a candidate survey to Kathy Sterne. She’s running to become the next Stafford County Clerk of the Court, a seat currently held since 2001 by Barbara Decatur who will retire this year.
Sterne faces fellow Republicans Darrell English and Jim Fry in a June 9, 2015 Primary Election. The winner of the Primary Election will go on to face a potential Democratic challenger in the November General Election.
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PL: What are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent?
Sterne: 1. Knowledge of the position, consistency and transparency.
2. Overwhelming Case Load.
3. Employee Reduction in workforce and Budget Restrictions.
PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
Sterne: This office requires a Clerk that not only knows the position but can perform the duties required, our citizens deserve an efficient Clerk of Court’s office during any transition, I’m the only candidate with both the knowledge and experience to serve as the Clerk of Court.
I will continue to work closely with our Virginia Supreme Court on new technologies that make good common sense and are fiscally responsible to ensure we keep up with this trending increase in cases.
I will continue to work closely with our judges, Commonwealth Attorney, sheriff’s office and our Board of Supervisors as we continue our partnership in providing the needed services to our citizens. I will maintain a highly cross trained staff to best serve our community.
PL: From your prospective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?
Sterne: The Clerk of the Court has over 800 responsibilities as outlined in the code of Virginia, these include but are not limited to Record keeper of the courts records, issuer of marriage licenses, concealed handgun permits, Probates wills. The Clerk’s office works with and supports three Circuit Court Judges, our Commonwealth’s Attorney and Sheriff’s office in the processing of court documents.
PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?
Sterne: I have served the Clerk’s office for 21 years, the last 10 as the Chief Deputy Clerk. I have worked closely and been mentored by our two previous clerks, Thomas Moncure Jr. and Barbara Decatur to learn and become efficient at the inner workings of responsibilities of the Clerk of Court. It is this experience that I believe makes me the best candidate for this position.
PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency?
Sterne: There are a great many citizens that do not know what the Clerk of the Courts office is responsible for. My campaign has worked hard to not only promote me as a candidate but to include information about the office and what it does. My door is always open and I welcome the opportunity to help the citizens of Stafford County understand this important position. I have taken the time on many occasions to explain this information and assist our citizens whenever possible.
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they effected you?
Sterne: I’m sure that everyone can find mistakes they have made in life, that is part of our learning process, however I have lived my life by the golden rule of “treat others as you would have them treat you.” I strive to maintain my life as a honest and hard working citizen of our community. I have raised my children in southern Stafford under those same principles and believe that everyone should be the best they can be at whatever they do in life.
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
Sterne: The citizens of Stafford County, on June 9, should take a look at the resume of all the candidates. I believe they will come to the overwhelming conclusion that I am the only candidate with the experience needed to perform as Clerk of Court, I have worked the past 21 years to position myself to learn and become the leader that the citizens of Stafford County deserve.
