Challenger takes on Chowan Clerk of Court
Challenger takes on court clerk
By Ritchie E. Starnes
Chowan Herald
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
EDENTON — It’s been nearly 16 years since there was a contested race for the office of clerk of Superior Court in Chowan County.
Come May 4, that will change as Democrats and independents will get a chance to vote in a contested primary for the clerk’s position. Incumbent Clerk of Court Mike J. McArthur is being challenged by Orville E. Mason Jr. in Chowan County’s only contested primary race.
McArthur, 60, suggests that his experience makes him the better choice.
“I don’t have to convince people to vote for Mike McArthur. I’ve got to convince people to burn their gasoline and go vote,” McArthur said, referring to the unpredictability of voter turnout in primary elections.
To get the word out about the election, McArthur, who is seeking a fifth, four-year term, has peppered Chowan County with campaign signs. None ask voters to “re-elect” McArthur. Instead, they ask voters to “elect” him.
That’s because the signs are the same ones McArthur used in 1994 when he ran for the first time. With no opposition since, they’ve been of no use. Until now.
Mason, 57, claims that despite not having an opponent in 16 years, McArthur is constantly campaigning, and that he uses his elected position to curry favor.
“I don’t think a judicial office should always be running for office, accepting contributions and holding fundraisers,” Mason said. “Instead of spending money on a campaign, that money could be going to a better good.”
Instead of taking political contributions for what is his first political campaign, Mason asks that any donations be directed to either the Boys and Girls Club or the Food Bank.
Mason is also going door to door armed with a flier that explains who he is and why he’s running.
McArthur said he considers his tenure as clerk of court as a successful one. He said his leadership has resulted in better efficiency of the courthouse and savings for taxpayers.
One such efficiency, McArthur said, is the fact his office staff is cross-trained to do a number of tasks.
“I want to be able to provide the services people deserve and have grown accustomed to,” McArthur said.
Another efficiency is McArthur’s decision to handle crime suspects’ first court appearance at the Chowan Detention Facility. Typically these hearings are reserved for a judge, but McArthur said he routinely assumes responsibility for the hearings in the absence of a judge or when the judicial calendar dictates.
McArthur said he ensures the suspect’s paperwork is accurate, that the suspect understands his right to counsel, the charges he’s facing and his bond options. McArthur also sets a court date at these hearings.
By doing so, McArthur said inmates do not have to be transported to court. Holding such hearings at the jail is not only more efficient, McArthur says; it’s also safer for the public.
Most clerks won’t do it,” McArthur said. “They feel that’s the judge’s job. But, it’s the right thing to do.”
Mason said he believes the right thing to do is to vote for change.
“Just because someone’s been unopposed for 16 years doesn’t mean they’re doing a good job,” Mason said. “It’s one of those offices that once you’re in there, you stay until you retire. That’s why there’s never any progress.
“I know I can make a difference over there,” he added.
Differences Mason says he would make include upgrading the clerk’s office’s technology.
“I think I can bring the office into the 21st century,” he said.
Mason currently works as Chowan County’s facilities director, adding that he, too, has saved Chowan taxpayers money.
Mason said he’d like to see the clerk’s office be more involved in intervention efforts in the lives of young people who get in trouble with the law.
It’s a role that he’s already familiar with, Mason said, adding that he often works with teens who want to continue their education.
For his part, McArthur said Mason’s inexperience prevents him from understanding the inner workings of the clerk’s office.
Mason scoffs at that suggestion.
“My inexperience is an advantage because I’m not going to be committed to the old way of doing things,” Mason said. “There’s no way anybody leaves that office without their questions getting answered.”
He adds that there are no job requirements for becoming Clerk of Court. None that a post-election two-week course doesn’t cover, he said.
McArthur considers the Clerk of Court as the judicial gatekeeper.
“The deciding factor in this election is for the people to decide who can help them the most in their greatest time of need,” McArthur said.
Mason counters that Chowan needs a change and a fresh perspective in the clerk’s office.
By Ritchie E. Starnes
Chowan Herald
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
EDENTON — It’s been nearly 16 years since there was a contested race for the office of clerk of Superior Court in Chowan County.
Come May 4, that will change as Democrats and independents will get a chance to vote in a contested primary for the clerk’s position. Incumbent Clerk of Court Mike J. McArthur is being challenged by Orville E. Mason Jr. in Chowan County’s only contested primary race.
McArthur, 60, suggests that his experience makes him the better choice.
“I don’t have to convince people to vote for Mike McArthur. I’ve got to convince people to burn their gasoline and go vote,” McArthur said, referring to the unpredictability of voter turnout in primary elections.
To get the word out about the election, McArthur, who is seeking a fifth, four-year term, has peppered Chowan County with campaign signs. None ask voters to “re-elect” McArthur. Instead, they ask voters to “elect” him.
That’s because the signs are the same ones McArthur used in 1994 when he ran for the first time. With no opposition since, they’ve been of no use. Until now.
Mason, 57, claims that despite not having an opponent in 16 years, McArthur is constantly campaigning, and that he uses his elected position to curry favor.
“I don’t think a judicial office should always be running for office, accepting contributions and holding fundraisers,” Mason said. “Instead of spending money on a campaign, that money could be going to a better good.”
Instead of taking political contributions for what is his first political campaign, Mason asks that any donations be directed to either the Boys and Girls Club or the Food Bank.
Mason is also going door to door armed with a flier that explains who he is and why he’s running.
McArthur said he considers his tenure as clerk of court as a successful one. He said his leadership has resulted in better efficiency of the courthouse and savings for taxpayers.
One such efficiency, McArthur said, is the fact his office staff is cross-trained to do a number of tasks.
“I want to be able to provide the services people deserve and have grown accustomed to,” McArthur said.
Another efficiency is McArthur’s decision to handle crime suspects’ first court appearance at the Chowan Detention Facility. Typically these hearings are reserved for a judge, but McArthur said he routinely assumes responsibility for the hearings in the absence of a judge or when the judicial calendar dictates.
McArthur said he ensures the suspect’s paperwork is accurate, that the suspect understands his right to counsel, the charges he’s facing and his bond options. McArthur also sets a court date at these hearings.
By doing so, McArthur said inmates do not have to be transported to court. Holding such hearings at the jail is not only more efficient, McArthur says; it’s also safer for the public.
Most clerks won’t do it,” McArthur said. “They feel that’s the judge’s job. But, it’s the right thing to do.”
Mason said he believes the right thing to do is to vote for change.
“Just because someone’s been unopposed for 16 years doesn’t mean they’re doing a good job,” Mason said. “It’s one of those offices that once you’re in there, you stay until you retire. That’s why there’s never any progress.
“I know I can make a difference over there,” he added.
Differences Mason says he would make include upgrading the clerk’s office’s technology.
“I think I can bring the office into the 21st century,” he said.
Mason currently works as Chowan County’s facilities director, adding that he, too, has saved Chowan taxpayers money.
Mason said he’d like to see the clerk’s office be more involved in intervention efforts in the lives of young people who get in trouble with the law.
It’s a role that he’s already familiar with, Mason said, adding that he often works with teens who want to continue their education.
For his part, McArthur said Mason’s inexperience prevents him from understanding the inner workings of the clerk’s office.
Mason scoffs at that suggestion.
“My inexperience is an advantage because I’m not going to be committed to the old way of doing things,” Mason said. “There’s no way anybody leaves that office without their questions getting answered.”
He adds that there are no job requirements for becoming Clerk of Court. None that a post-election two-week course doesn’t cover, he said.
McArthur considers the Clerk of Court as the judicial gatekeeper.
“The deciding factor in this election is for the people to decide who can help them the most in their greatest time of need,” McArthur said.
Mason counters that Chowan needs a change and a fresh perspective in the clerk’s office.
