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- [S84] E-Mail, Rita Ellison.
Candidate For Sevier County Circuit Court Clerk
Rita Ellison
125 Court Ave.
Sevierville, TN 37862
Phone: 865·453·8395
Email:
Republican
Biography:
Rita Ellison has 30 years experience in the court system. (She was Administrative Assistant to District Attorney General, Al Schmutzer, Jr. for 17 years and Administrative Assistant to Circuit Judge, Rex Henry Ogle for 13 years.) Ms Ellison is currently employed by Judge Rex Henry Ogle. Her duties include managing and coordinating criminal and civil cases in a 4 county district. Rita works closely with the 4 Circuit Court Clerks and their staffs in the 4th Judicial District.
Rita and husband, Gary Ellison have been married for thirty-three years. They have two daughters, Meredith and Megan. Meredith is currently a junior at East Tennessee State University and Megan, who is married to Jeremy May, gave birth to her granddaughter, Ava, in February of this year. Ms Ellison is the daughter of Lee and Iva Clabo. She has two brothers, Steve and Doug. Steve is married to Jettie Clabo and Doug is a minister and is married to Bonita Clabo. "My husband's parents are Paul and Helen Ellison. Gary's brother, Larry, is married to Doris King Ellison.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT :
"I attend New Hope Church. I am a member of the Sevier County Legal Staff Association, Sevier County Republican Women, and the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. I have coached girl's (youth) basketball and have been involved with the Sevier County Task Force Against Domestic Violence. I enjoy spending time with our new three week-old grandaughter."
WHAT IS THE MOST CRITICAL ISSUE FACING THE COURT CLERK'S OFFICE?
The Circuit Court Clerk's office performs critical administrative and clerical functions, such as maintaining records, tracking and scheduling the proceedings of the Circuit Court, and collecting and disbursing various fees. Over the past few years, the volume of cases filed by the Clerk's Office has been steadily increased. This increase requires that the office must function efficiently within the allocated budget. Each person who enters the office should be served in a timely and courteous manner. Employees must receive continuous training and support, allowing them to provide professional services to our citizens.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE:
During the past thirty years, I have worked with the Sevier County Circuit Court Clerk’s office on a daily basis and with all of the Clerks and Judges in the Fourth Judicial District. My experience has given me a unique opportunity to work closely with the Circuit Court Clerk and has allowed me to objectively analyze ways to make the office operate even more efficiently. I understand the important role the Clerk has in making our judicial system work efficiently, whether setting courts’ dockets, making sure that child support payments are documented and distributed promptly, or helping jurors have a positive experience. I know that when people come to court they need to be treated with courtesy and respect. I will be dedicated to providing a high standard of efficiency and customer service. With innovative ideas and hard work, Sevier County can have a Clerk’s office that is second to none.
WHAT WOULD BE AMONG YOUR FIRST ACTIONS TO IMPROVE THE OFFICE IF ELECTED?
I will ensure that everyone who comes to the Clerk’s office receives prompt and courteous attention, whatever their problems or questions may be. Maintaining current, updated technology will be a priority so that the office can better serve the litigants, attorneys, judges, jurors, and citizens of Sevier County. I will stress the importance of keeping correct and current information on each case, particularly cases involving child support payments. I will have each employee cross-trained to provide a higher standard of efficiency in the office. I am also interested in establishing a web site which will provide information about the office, explain the services provided, and answer questions frequently asked by the public.
Experience:
• 30 years in the court system
• Administrative Assistant to Judge Rex Henry Ogle
• Administrative Assistant to District Attorney General Al Schmutzer
• Most qualified candidate for Circuit Court Clerk
During my term of office, I promise...
• Prompt, courteous service to the public
• A well trained professional staff
• Updated technology to increase efficiency and decrease costs
• A commitment to integrity and high ethical standards
* Article submitted by Rita Ellison, candidate for Sevier County Circuit Court Clerk
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