Election Day is just around the corner and WYDaily has you covered. In Newport News, there is one contested race for the Circuit Court clerk position between incumbent Gary Anderson and newcomer Angela Reason.
WYDaily sent both candidates five questions with a word count limit of 100 words each. The questions were sent out last Wednesday and both candidates submitted their answers Monday.
Here are Reason’s answers published verbatim. Anderson’s responses were published on Thursday.
What sets you apart from the other candidate?
I am a natural native of Newport News therefore I am personally vested in the success of my city. My ability to effectively communicate with a diverse population regardless of age, race, socio-economic background, mental/intellectual status, and sexual orientation makes me the ideal person to serve as Clerk of Court. I have the ability to develop and maintain healthy community partnerships which will enable the Clerk’s office to operate with the following efficiencies: addressing language barriers, effectively servicing the mental health/intellectually disabled community, conflict mediation for customers who present with acute crisis without impeding on legislation and legal restrictions in
How do you plan on addressing crime?
It is not the responsibility of the Clerk to address crime as an officer of the court directly. As Clerk of Court, I do not pass legislation therefore I cannot impact crime in that manner. However, through education and awareness I can ensure that my staff is appropriately trained on processes and procedures that will prevent oversights that could be deemed criminal. In the community, I plan to address crime by continuing to work with youth through mentorship, sports programs, and civic engagement.
Why are you running for this seat?
I am running for this seat because it is an elected position and I want to use my gifts, skills, and abilities to serve my city in this capacity. I believe I can bring a fair, firm, and consistent disposition geared toward growth and development within the office while nourishing the needs of my community.
Who is your biggest influence and why?
My parents and my maternal grandmother are my greatest influences because they molded me into the woman that I am today. I learned at an early age the importance of servant leadership and in giving back to your community. I still hold my childhood lessons and the legacies of my late mother and grandmother close to my heart. These early lessons learned, to be a servant leader, will be most useful in the Clerk’s office.
Why should the people of your jurisdiction choose you as their representative/city clerk?
It would be beneficial for the citizens of Newport News to elect me in order to move the Clerk’s office forward. My ability to secure healthy community partnerships geared towards nourishing the clerical needs of the community are immeasurable. My experience as a small business owner; applying codes and policies at the federal government level through fiscal support of Naval Detachments have enabled me to obtain diverse experiences that will bring innovation and modernization to the management of the Clerk’s Office. These experiences will aid in effectively interpreting and applying the code in a consistent and efficient manner to all.
