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Local News - November 2002 |
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Hatley takes clerk’s post By JEREMY ASHTON, LTN Staff Writer November 6, 2002 - The Republican juggernaut that rolled through Lincoln County Tuesday swept a political novice into the Clerk of Court office. Republican Fred Hatley soundly defeated Democrat Teresa Peeler and unaffiliated candidate Janet Carpenter Spears to claim the clerk’s position. Hatley took in 10,673 votes, 52.6 percent of the votes cast in the race. Peeler earned 40.1 percent of the vote, while Spears claimed the remaining 7.3 percent. Hatley, 53, was notified of the results at Republican Party headquarters, where he was cheered wildly. Holding a giant cigar, Hatley thanked his fellow Republicans for their support and praised his poll workers. “I couldn’t have done it without the poll workers,” he said. “They did it all.” Hatley said he wasn’t shocked by the victory, just the margin. A retired teacher who spent 31 years in the Lincoln County school system, Hatley has no legal experience. During his campaign, he said he can overcome his lack of expertise with an ability to learn; computer, math and communication skills; and approachability. “As soon as he’s sworn into office, he’ll hit the ground running … ” said Hatley’s wife, Rhonda. “I know he knows he’s got a lot to learn, but he’s ready.” The duties of the clerk include acting as a probate, holding hearings in special proceedings and handling the record-keeping and administrative responsibilities of the court. The clerk earns a little more than $69,000 annually. While watching the results come in at the Board of Elections office in the Citizens Center, Peeler, 36, broke into tears. Several family members, supporters and employees of the clerk’s office consoled her as the final tally was posted. Peeler has spent 19 years working in the clerk’s office. In May, she was sworn in as the interim clerk after Pam Huskey, retired early this year following 16 years in that role. Peeler declined to comment on the results of the election Tuesday night. Spears, 41, also observed the evening’s events at the Citizens Center. Spears, who has more than 21 years of legal experience, felt the race went like she expected because of her choice not to affiliate herself with a political party. She was disappointed but said she did what she believed in. “I don’t feel like I got beat by an individual; I feel like I got beat by a party,” Spears said.
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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