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John D. Kershner Jr.
BY CHARLES GARRATT • STAFF WRITER
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WARM SPRINGS - John D. Kershner Jr. has been interested in the office of clerk of the circuit court for decades. Kershner said he thought about running against Claude Dodson but decided to wait until Dodson retired. When Dodson retired, then deputy clerk Darlene Carpenter won the office for one term.
"I've had this job in mind for 20 years," said Kershner. "It is not a job I woke up one morning and decided to run for," he added.
Kershner stresses his preparation in classes he has taken, his supervisory experience and his willingness to serve the public needs as his strengths. He doesn't feel he has any weaknesses that would impact his performance as clerk.
Among the 110 semester hours of course work Kershner has completed are many courses he said he took in preparation for his goal of becoming clerk. "My studies included accounting, supervision, administrative office management, business law, communication in business, economics, business math, technical math, applied physics, drafting and blueprint reading," he said.
In addition to 24 years at MeadWestvaco, Kershner worked as a foreman at the Back Creek project and works two part-time jobs at The Homestead. He feels his supervisory experience and work experience in general is an asset even though he has no direct experience working in the clerk's office.
Kershner wasn't sure what circuit the Bath County court is part of, or all of the counties within the circuit and the judges that serve them.
While Kershner considers himself a strong person and "doesn't let people run over me," he also "tries to get along with everybody." His major campaign promise has been to expand the hours the office is open to better serve the public.
"I've heard so much about that issue," Kershner said about limited access to the records maintained by the clerk. These include deeds, wills, marriages and court records, he said. In addition the office sells hunting and fishing licenses, he noted.
Currently the clerk's office is open only regular business hours. Kershner does not anticipate having the office open on Saturday if he becomes clerk, but he does plan to have evening hours one night per week. If there is enough demand, he would expand to two evenings, he said.
The average working person does not have access to the courthouse and the clerk's office, Kershner said. As a working person he understands how difficult it can be to get to the clerk's office when it is only open the same hours a person like himself works.
In addition to expanded hours, Kershner feels all the records should be computerized, even old records. And once computerized, those records should be available online, he said.
Kershner said he would definitely keep the deputy clerks currently employed in the office if he is elected.
While not familiar with the budget or the day to day operations of the office, Kershner understands the clerk does not make legal decisions nor give legal advice. In addition he said the clerk and staff should be happy to assist people when possible, but the office does not provide searches of records.
"If elected, I will execute the office of clerk of court with the same efficiency, diligence, honesty, and loyalty that I have consistently shown in the workplace," Kershner said.
About the candidate John D. Kershner Jr., 57 AAS in business management, Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, four-year Career Studies certificate in Industrial Maintenance. 24 years with MeadWestvaco. Lives near Bacova Junction.
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