Politics & Government

Prior Jury Clerk Seeks Office's Top Job

Melba Scoggins, former supervising clerk for Superior Court proceedings, has announced a bid for Clerk of Superior Court, the office currently held by Gary Bell.

In addition to the four vying for Bartow County's top post and a , the 2012 primary election could pit an incumbent against one of his former employees.

Holding criminal and jury clerk positions supervising Superior Court proceedings for 27 years, Republican Melba Scoggins announced a bid for the top job in the office—clerk of . She recently left the clerk's office and is no longer an employee.

"Though Scoggins' experience and attention to detail are to her credit, she also prides herself on customer service," according to the press release announcing her run. "To many citizens serving as jurors, Melba is often considered the familiar face of the clerk's office."

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Current Clerk of Superior Court Gary Bell, first elected in 2000, has served in the office 12 years, leading it since 2001. The Republican will seek another term, according to BartowPolitics.com.

While the terms she served and the political opponents she faced are unclear, former clerk of court Tish Johnson is backing Scoggins.

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"I worked with Melba Scoggins for many years, and I have enormous respect for her," she said in the release. "Melba's strong work ethic, broad skills and experience will make her an outstanding clerk of court."

Scoggins and husband, Myron, a Cartersville fireman and owner of Scoggins Custom Cabinets, have lived in Rydal for 30 years and are members of Pleasant Olive Baptist Church.

They have two adult daughters—Morgan Scoggins King, wife of Mack King, is a Pine Log Elementary School pre-k teacher and the younger Mallory is a student at Kennesaw State University.

Melba Scoggins is a member of the and volunteers in Relay for Life.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to further serve the people of Bartow County," she said in the news release. "My experience offers me a unique perspective as a candidate for clerk of court. I am keenly aware of the duties required to run the clerk's office in an efficient and fiscally responsible manner.

"I will work hard to serve the people of Bartow County."

for the July 31 primary election is set for May 23 to 25.


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