posted at HometownHeadlines.com
Clerk of Superior Court candidates:
Q&A with Barbara Penson
About this page: Hometown Headlines sent both candidates questions about the clerk of courts position as well as a request for biographical information. We've also included the initial campaign statements from each candidate.
Q/What is the greatest challenge facing the next Clerk of Superior Court and why?
A/The greatest challenge I face as the next Clerk of Superior Court will be maintaining the long legacy of integrity, accuracy and efficiency that currently exists while ensuring a smooth transition in the leadership of the clerk’s office. I am well aware that change can be challenging in itself; therefore it is imperative to go forward with as little disruption in services as possible.
Q/What differences will the community see in the way the office operates as of Jan. 1, 2010, one year after you take office?
A/I will be actively establishing and implementing a five-year strategic plan which will include:
•Bringing the record-keeping online with a paperless and bookless green office space by putting all records on microfilm, computers or scanning all possible jobs to enable easy access to a greater number of years of records and to ensure accuracy.
•Computerizing all money accounts and bookkeeping.
•Affording all employees staff development opportunities necessary to perform their duties with confidence and expertise
•Continuing to uphold the best possible customer service.
•Upgrading office equipment to today's standards as money is available.
I will provide and deliver excellent service in filing, recording and preserving records as mandated by law. I will maintain the records based on the records retention schedules of Georgia. I will ensure the continuation of record-keeping for the public and will accurately fulfill the duties of the Office of Clerk of Superior Court as set forth by the Georgia Code based on my educational background, experience, integrity and character. I will do so without conflict of interest or obligation to any individuals.
Q/Technology is sweeping the court systems across the state and nation. Where is the Floyd County office in terms of technology at this time and where should it be?
A/The Floyd County Clerk’s Office is progressively phasing in technology; however, there is still work to be done. Technology is important in all phases of the government. It is important to do cost/benefit analysis to determine the best utilization and the most cost effective implementation for the taxpayers of Floyd County. It is my goal to upgrade/update all technological activities and records of the Clerk’s office but I also know this will be a gradual process.
Q/What specific quality (one) qualifies you most for this position?
A/The one specific quality that I possess would be my exemplary work experience. I learned the meaning of hard work and dedication from my parents at a very young age on our farm in Texas Valley. I have had the privilege to gain a tremendous amount of experience in records-keeping and customer service over the last 30 years while working for both Floyd County Schools and Sear's. Both jobs have also allowed me to utilize the academic skills I acquired from receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Shorter College. I welcome the challenge of bringing the records of the clerk’s office online as I was instrumental in developing and implementing the software presently utilized in teacher certification record-keeping. It is crucial that the voters of Floyd County select the candidate that is most qualified for this important position and someone that can begin work on day one.
Biographical Information:
Barbara Holbert Penson, 62
I began my work career with Southern Bell Telephone Co., the Credit Bureau of Rome and the Georgia Department of Labor. I was employed on Sept. 17, 1979, by the Floyd County Schools Superintendent’s office as an administrative secretary and worked in Staff Development (teacher certification crediting), Federal Programs (Title II, Title III, Title VI) and Board Policy Services Departments. I was promoted to administrative assistant to the Deputy Superintendent in 1997. Presently I am in charge of all student transcripts (records) which span from 1920s to present day, as well as teacher extended day payroll. I have also worked at Sear's (as a second job) as a commissioned sales associate in the appliance department from 1980 until Jan. 15, 2008, when I retired.
Current Offices Held:
• President of the Floyd County Association of Educators
• District One Spelling Bee Coordinator (covers 13 counties)
• Chair of Floyd County Schools Sick Leave Governing Board
• Chair of Rome Noon Optimist Club, Bylaws and Constitution Committee
• Treasurer of Woodmen of the World Lodge #20
(Please see the candidate's Web site for additional members; link below)
Family: I was married to the late Rev. Donald Wayne Penson for 40 years. He served as pastor for Rehoboth Baptist Church in Cave Spring, Snow Springs Baptist Church in Adairsville, Live Oak Baptist Church in Cave Spring, Community Chapel Baptist Church in Rome, Connesena Baptist Church in Adairsville, and Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Kingston. My husband also served as chaplain of the Floyd County Police Department for 12 years. My husband was a life long member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #766 of Rome and that local later merged into Local #72 of Atlanta. Together we have three children and six grandchildren. My first born is Cheryl Penson Garrett, who owned and operated Kutters Way Hair Salon of Lindale, is married to Eugene Garrett, supervisor with the Georgia Department of Transportation. My son, Jeff Penson, is a member of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local #72, of Atlanta and is married to Kim Penson, a floral designer employed with Flowers and Gifts by Joan. My youngest daughter, April Penson Worthington, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Shorter College and is currently the Director of Family Services for the Exchange Club Family Resource Center. She is married to Dennis Worthington, member of International Laborers Union of North America #515 of Atlanta. Grandchildren are: Jeffrey, Erica, Dakota, Jeania, T.J., & Drew.
Education: Attended Armuchee Schools in Floyd County for 10 years and graduated from Cass High in Bartow County. Graduate of Floyd College (presently Georgia Highlands College) with a 2-year degree in Certified Professional Secretarial Sciences. Graduate of Shorter College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Specific career highlights:
-Long distance operator with Southern Bell
-Credit Reporter and typist with the Credit Bureau of Rome
-Claims Examiner with the Georgia Department of Labor
-Certified Administrative Assistant to the Deputy Superintendent of the Floyd County Schools
-Commissioned Sales Associate for Sears
Registered Floyd County voter since: 1968
Penson seeking Floyd clerk of courts post
(Campaign release) Barbara H. Penson is running for the office of Clerk of Floyd Superior Court as a Democrat. An employee of the Floyd County school system, Penson was born, raised and educated in Floyd County and attended Armuchee schools while living in Texas Valley. Her family moved to Bartow County and she attended the junior and senior year there, graduating from Cass High.
She began her career with Southern Bell Telephone Co., Credit Bureau of Rome, and the Georgia Department of Labor. Since 1979, she has worked with the Floyd County Schools Superintendent’s office. She also worked for 28 years at Sears.
She graduated from Shorter College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She was married for 40 years to the former Rev. Donald Wayne Penson (deceased 2005), who pastored Rehoboth Baptist Church in Cave Spring, Snow Springs Baptist Church in Adairsville, Live Oak Baptist Church in Cave Spring, Community Chapel Baptist Church in Rome, Connesena Baptist Church in Adairsville, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Kingston. The couple had three children and six grand children.
An active member of Shorter Avenue Baptist Church for more than 20 years, Penson joined the Rome Noon Optimist Club in 1998 and has served on several committees since. She also has served as president of the Floyd County Association of Educators, and is a member of the state and national associations.
Melissa Pyle is serving as treasurer of the Campaign to Elect Barbara H. Penson.
Candidate's Web site: www.barbarapenson.com