NATCHEZ — Chancery Clerk Incumbent Tommy O’Beirne says his 24 years of experience on the job qualify him for the position, but challenger Willie B. Jones argues his ambition and willingness to learn makes him the better candidate.

The race will be decided between the candidates in the Aug. 2 Democratic primary.

Jones said he wants the position because he believes he can do a good job with the many duties of chancery clerk.

While O’Beirne has experience now, Jones said the incumbent had zero experience as chancery clerk when he was first elected.

“I’ve never been (a chancery clerk), but I can be one,” he said.

Jones said if elected, he would use the role to help others in Adams County like he does in his current position as code enforcement officer for The City of Natchez.

“Sometimes (work) goes beyond the job description,” Jones said.

Jones said the job of chancery clerk deals with marriage, divorce and military filings, and a list of other duties include clerk to the Adams County Board of Supervisors.

“You can’t get a diploma in chancery clerk (duties),” Jones said. “You have to get in there and learn that job and be willing to do whatever it takes to help the people of Adams County.”

Jones said as chancery clerk, he could help those at risk of losing their houses in foreclosure.

“We need to find a way to help people keep (their) properties and not take (the properties) away from them,” Jones said.

He would also like to implement an open door policy, allowing the public to have greater access to county records.

O’Beirne said he would like to continue his service on the heels of a long career in office.

“I enjoy working with Judges George Ward and Vincent Davis in facilitating orderly processing in court cases,” O’Beirne said.

He said he would like to continue his duties as custodian of the county’s claims and payroll and to see matters handled efficiently.

O’Beirne said his experience makes him the best candidate.

“My background as an attorney and years of service to the county as chancery clerk gives me a knowledge and insight into the responsibilities of my office,” O’Beirne said.

In addition to being clerk of chancery court, clerk of the board of supervisors and overseeing bookkeeping, O’Beirne said his office has other responsibilities.

For instance, chancery clerk collects delinquent taxes and handles commitments to the state hospital for lunacy or drug and alcohol problems.

O’Beirne said if elected he would also like to continue imaging old court cases and documents to help lawyers with their work and help the general public in researching titles and genealogies.

Working with the board of supervisors is an important duty of the job, and O’Beirne said he has shown he can do it successfully.