John Harkins
Age: 56
Occupation: Chief Investigator, Floyd County District Attorney’s Office
1) Tell us a little about yourself as a person.
I am a Floyd County native and I began my public service career in 1975 as a deputy sheriff with the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department.
I was promoted to sergeant in 1982 and assumed supervisory and administrative duties. I was appointed as an investigator with the Floyd County District Attorney’s Office in 1988. In 1991, I was promoted to Chief Investigator, which is my current position.
During my 30-plus years with Floyd County, I have been involved in virtually all aspects of the Floyd County Superior Court system. I currently supervise the investigators, assistants, and clerks.
In addition to being the chief investigator of the District Attorney’s Office, I became a licensed Realtor in 2003. I was Dixon and Tate’s 2004 Rookie of the Year.
I’ve been a Master Mason since 1975. I’m also a York Rite and Scottish Rite Mason. I’m a member of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce; Noon Optimist Club; National Association of Realtors; Georgia Association of Realtors; Greater Rome Board of Realtors; and the Floyd County Democratic Association.
My wife, Robbie, is a teacher with the Floyd County school system. We have two children. Karen is in law school and Scott attends Georgia Highlands College.
2) How do your qualifications match up with the duties of the Superior Court clerk?
The main types of records that the clerk’s office keeps are court records and property records. I have worked in the court system for over 30 years, 20 as an administrator and supervisor. I’m also a licensed Realtor.
As Clerk of Court, I would understand the nature of the documents and their importance.
For example, a person who has never worked in the court system wouldn’t understand the importance of a “demand for speedy trial.” They wouldn’t know that it needs to be red-flagged immediately because there is a time limit for action on that document and the clock starts ticking the very day it is stamped by the clerk.
An inexperienced person also wouldn’t understand the legal ramifications of inmate filings and could subject the county to a liability problem by its mishandling. Additionally, any mishandling of a document could result in very serious criminal or civil cases being dismissed.
The clerk’s office is much more complex than just recordkeeping. The Clerk of Court is a position of leadership, one which requires administrative and supervisory skills and knowledge.
My extensive administrative and supervisory experience with the Floyd County Court system definitely makes me uniquely qualified for this position.
3) What, if any, operational changes or technological upgrades would you implement to improve the efficiency of the office?
Operationally, I will change how the clerk’s office is perceived. I’ve heard many complaints about customer service. Although the office is very busy, I intend to see that the clerks provide attentive and courteous customer service.
Many people are now handling their own cases instead of hiring a lawyer. I am sensitive to the problems that could arise for these pro se litigants and, although the clerk’s office cannot give legal advice, I intend to provide whatever assistance that person may need.
Technologically, I intend to automate the clerk’s office to bring it up to date with the latest technology available.
There are several court management software systems available. Currently, Floyd County uses the Sustain system. I will compare software and use the best available system.
While we relied on paper and microfilm too long, the office has recently improved its computer systems. I want to continue this trend and improve upon it. The deed room now has the ability to scan documents to computers. Eventually, every other document will be scanned as well.
Additionally, I would like to see all deed records and property tax information linked to the GIS browser for a “one click gets all” solution.
Barbara Holbert Penson
Age: 62
Occupation: Student Records Coordinator and administrative assistant to the deputy superintendent of Floyd County Schools
1) Tell us a little about yourself as a person.
I am a strong, independent woman who was born and raised in Texas Valley. I learned the meaning of hard work at an early age in the cotton fields and on my family’s farm. Through the years I have had many roles — as a daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a friend and, most importantly, a Christian.
When my husband, the late Rev. Donald Penson, became ill many years ago, I recognized what had to be done in order to survive and never once hesitated to step up and work two jobs for over 24 years to provide for my family.
After getting our three children through school, I went back to school and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Shorter College.
Today, I can hold my head high and say with complete confidence that I not only have accomplished many goals in my life through hard work and dedication, but I have done so with humility, a genuine concern to help others and without sacrificing my moral character or integrity.
It is a great honor and privilege that my friends and colleagues consider me to be their “Go To” person on whom they can depend.
2) How do your qualifications match up with the duties of the Superior Court clerk?
I have had the privilege to gain a tremendous amount of experience in financial management, information management, records-keeping and customer service over the past 30 years.
I was instrumental in creating, developing, and implementing the software presently utilized in online teacher certification for Floyd County Schools. I have a proven track record in complying with local, state, and federal policies and procedures.
I have demonstrated my reputable leadership roles in many capacities including: president of the Floyd County Association of Educators; president of the Rome Noon Optimist Club; chairperson for Women in Management of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce; president, trustee, and treasurer for Woodmen of the World Lodge No. 20; chairperson and coordinator of the District 1 Spelling Bee covering 13 counties.
I have unmatched experience in handling permanent records dating back to the 1920s and am more than capable of working under demanding time constraints.
I can say without reservation that I have never misused or mishandled any documents, monies, or job duties, nor have I ever experienced demotion or loss of job privileges due to any misconduct.
My integrity, past work experience, and leadership skills are attributes necessary to accomplish the duties of Clerk of Superior Court.
3) What, if any, operational changes or technological upgrades would you implement to improve the efficiency of the office?
It is imperative to go forward with as little disruption in services as possible and I intend to do just that by ensuring a smooth transition in leadership while maintaining the legacy of accuracy and efficiency that currently exists.
It is equally important to do cost/benefit analyses to determine the best utilization and the most cost-efficient implementation for the taxpayers of Rome and Floyd County.
For this reason, it is my desire as Clerk of Superior Court to establish and implement a five-year strategic plan which will include: continuing to uphold the best possible customer service in filing, recording and preserving documents as mandated by law; maintaining the records based on the records-retention schedules of Georgia; upgrading office equipment to today’s standards as money is available; affording all employees of the clerk’s office staff-development opportunities necessary to perform their duties with confidence and expertise; computerizing all money accounts and bookkeeping; bringing the record-keeping online by scanning all possible files, records, and documents to enable easy access to all persons entering the clerk’s office.
It is my earnest intent to fulfill the duties of Clerk of Superior Court without conflict of interest or obligation to any individuals.
