NATCHEZ — Three candidates are seeking the office of Adams County Circuit Clerk.

To help voters be better informed when they visit the polls, The Natchez Democrat submitted a short questionnaire to each candidate and asked for their response in writing. For space considerations, candidates were asked to keep their answers to each question to 100 words.

The circuit clerk serves both county and circuit courts, receiving and filing all lawsuits, indictments, motions and other documents associated with civil and criminal cases.

The clerk is likewise responsible for issuing all summons and subpoenas, drawing and qualifying jurors, keeping record of judgments and executions.

The office also issues marriage licenses and keeps records of marriages, medical and professional licenses, registers voters and has other election duties.

The questions and answers candidates returned are presented below with candidates’ names in alphabetical order.

Why are you running and what makes you the best candidate for this office?

LAMAR BULLEN: I am a believer in Jesus Christ and in a moral society where believers believe the word of God. I will seek the wisdom of our Lord in the operation of this office and in decision-making. I am an attorney and have been practicing law since October 2003. I have past work experience as a law clerk for Circuit Judge Forrest A. Johnson. I am owner of Bullen Law Office PLLC and currently have cases filed in the circuit clerk’s office. I have experience running a business. My wife and I have four children all under the age of six. I have a unique perspective on the new challenges our young children face. I hope to make a difference in the lives of the people that come through my office and those I will provide services for as your circuit clerk.

JENNIFER JOHNSON: I am running for circuit clerk because the citizens of Adams County deserve a circuit clerk that is visibly working in our community at all times and not just during an election. The people deserve a circuit clerk that will help educate, be transparent, and conduct the business of the circuit clerk’s office in a trustworthy manner. I am caring, compassionate, and fair, and not only will I listen to the citizens concerns but I will go above and beyond to help. I have prior experience in the circuit clerk›s office. If elected I will retain the current clerks to ensure a smooth transition to move the circuit clerk’s office forward and this makes me the right person.

EDDIE WALKER: When I ran for the circuit clerk in 2007, I promised to restore honesty, integrity and accountability to the office. I quickly fulfilled that promise and have continued to operate the circuit clerk’s office in a proper and lawful manner. Experience counts! My deputy clerks and I have over 24 years of combined experience in this office. We do a good job and we do it right. Through the Mississippi Circuit Clerk’s Association, I have accrued over 300 hours of continuing education. I would like to continue to use my experience to effectively and lawfully operate the office.

What in your opinion is the most important task of the circuit clerk’s office?

BULLEN: As your circuit clerk I will be able to handle and have staff to assist me in handling the compilation of fees and monies through my office and coordination with the board of supervisors. I will run an efficient office, streamline the jury selection process and keep court files organized with a perspective that no other candidate has. As a law clerk, I learned the importance of keeping the files organized for the county court and circuit courts. I will be able to work with our board of supervisors and meet their deadlines in an efficient and timely manner. I plan to cut costs in operation of this office.

JOHNSON: In my opinion, the most important task in the circuit clerk’s office is maintaining and confirming that all civil, criminal and juvenile files are accurate and readily accessible for court proceedings.

WALKER: There are many important tasks that we do every day. One very important task is registering those who are qualified to vote. I conduct voter registration drives every spring and fall at area schools to make sure our youth have the chance to register. We also provide voter ID cards to those who are eligible at no charge. I think that the most important thing that we do is to tend to the needs of the people who come into the circuit clerk’s office looking for help. We treat our customers in the way that we like to be treated.

What would you add to or change about how the office operates if you were elected or re-elected?

BULLEN: I will effectuate a process to clear the docket of old cases and expedite and move cases. The jury roll needs to be cleaned once a year of felons and of the deceased, so the it will be accurate to pull jurors, and money will not be wasted sending out jury summons to felons and to the deceased. I will work with the jury commissioners to help insure a cleaner and more accurate jury pool to work from. Implementation of accurate electronic systems of tracking our felons and to access court files electronically from the bench is needed. I would work with our judges and other court clerks regarding cases appealed so the cases will move efficiently. A voluntary alternative dispute resolution route should also be implemented.

JOHNSON: The things I would change in the circuit clerk’s office are community involvement by interacting with the schools and county offices and help when and where I’m needed. I would like to expand E-filing to make the process of filing and retrieving records and applications more convenient for our citizens. I would also like to put more emphasis on the voting process — raising public awareness by publicizing election information with emphasis on voter registration, and also ensuring that those who are incarcerated and eligible to vote are allowed to exercise their right.

WALKER: I am currently working with the company that is storing our archived files. We are trying to get those important files placed in a climate-controlled environment. Once those files are properly situated, I would like to work with the county to set up a system to electronically scan these archives so that they are instantly available for reproduction in the circuit clerk’s office. As far as the operation of the office, we strive every day to improve our services by making positive changes in the office inner workings as prescribed and allowed by law.