On Aug. 7, we will be electing, among other positions, our Criminal Court clerk. Gwen Tidwell, the present clerk, is seeking another term and deserves one. The clerk, in a manner of speaking, is the CEO of the office which files, organizes, stores, and retrieves hundreds of thousands of important legal documents and records while collecting legislatively approved fees for its services.
Since being elected in 1994, Ms. Tidwell has tirelessly improved, steamlined, and modernized the office allowing where ever possible for easy public review of records and efficient court operations. Her office is widely recognized as one of the best, if not the best, offices in the state. As a practicing attorney, I have witnessed this transformation and know what a valuable contribution she has made and how lucky we are to have her.
Ms. Tidwell has in the past, and will again, run under the Democratic Party label. Those who are Democrats might be tempted to reflexively cast your vote for her because of her party affiliation, Republicans just the opposite. Both approaches would be wrong in my view. Vote on Aug. 7 for Ms. Tidwell because she has made our Criminal Court Clerk’s Office the best it can be and will continue to do so. A job well done.
Gene Shiles
Chattanooga