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Editor’s Note: For coverage of the primary election, The Stanly News & Press sent questions to each group of candidates. We limited their responses to 200 words per answer. Answers appear as is, with the exception of editing for grammatical/spelling errors or length. This allows potential voters to see the candidates through their own words and gives equal opportunity for the candidates to respond. We gave candidates two weeks to email their answers back.

Clerk of Court
Ginger Efird
Michael Greene
Pam Blake

2. What are your qualifications and background in related fields regarding the duties of the clerk of court?

Efird: I graduated from Pfeiffer University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and began my career with the North Carolina Judicial Branch over 21 years ago. I’m currently the administrative assistant to the District Attorney of Prosecutorial District 28, a leadership role within the court system I have maintained since 2007.

I oversee the day to day operations of the District Attorney’s Office as well as directly supervise non-attorney staff. I work directly with the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) daily, just as the Clerk of Court does. I know and understand the human resource role that is needed on the local level as it pertains to judicial branch employees. The operating systems within the clerk’s office are the same systems I currently use in the District Attorney’s Office.

I know how to apply North Carolina General Statues to a given situation in the courts and abide by the laws of North Carolina. I communicate with and direct citizens daily to the proper division within the clerk’s office to seek the assistance they may need from civil and criminal clerks, special proceedings, juvenile clerks and to estate clerks.

Greene: I am a retired police captain with 30 years of honorable and distinguished service from the Concord Police Department. I worked as a patrol officer, DARE officer, school resource officer, sergeant of the Youth Division and Patrol. I was captain of Special Investigations and retired as captain of David District: Concord Mills, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Airport.

I was certified in the Division of Criminal Information and understand the administrative order of courts. I was involved with Teen Court, Juvenile Crime Council, Mediation, Project Safe Neighborhood and Courthouse security.

As a career law enforcement professional, I have experienced firsthand all aspects and challenges of the clerical, administrative and record keeping requirements of our court system.

I graduated from the North Carolina Justice Academy Management Development Program — one of the most comprehensive training programs for law enforcement leaders.

I taught in-service firearms for 20 years and tactical rifle.

After the Police Department, I took the position of security director at Concord Mills for about five years. I left in 2020 because I wanted to work closer to home in my own community.

I am the most qualified and experienced candidate for Clerk of Court.

Blake: My qualifications for the job of Clerk of Court consist of leadership skills, accountability for the collection of funds due, concise record keeping and tremendous customer service skills.

I, with help from my team, have lead the Tax Collections Office to garner a record high collection rate for Fiscal Year 2020-2021. I always take the lead and responsibility that everything is operating at maximum capacity with minimal distractions.

I would never ask a co-worker to perform any task that I would not be willing to perform myself. I am responsible for millions of dollars of tax funds for Stanly County, 10 municipalities and multiple fire districts that we collect yearly.

I hold myself and my teammates to the highest standard possible to ensure that every cent is counted and properly accounted for. I will apply this same fervent approach to the funds collected by the Clerk of Court.

The role of Clerk of Court requires a person that is meticulous in record keeping. I have extensive knowledge and expertise making sure that personal information is properly acquired and safeguarded.

One of my greatest skills would be working with the public and customer service.

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