Jo Ann Summerlin announces for Clerk of Court
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on January 30, 2005 2:10 AM
An experienced paralegal has announced her intention to run for Wayne County Clerk of Court in 2006.
Jo Ann Summerlin, a Democrat, said she believes her 38 years as legal secretary to the late Sen. Thomas Strickland and as a nationally certified paralegal gives her an extensive knowledge of how the clerk's office operates.
"I don't enter into this decision lightly," Mrs. Summerlin said in a statement announcing her candidacy. "I have taken inventory of my life and believe my experiences and education have qualified me for the position of Wayne County Clerk of Superior Court."
The race for Clerk of Court begins more than a year from now, when the filing period opens in February. The election will be held in November 2006.
Mrs. Summerlin, 57, is a lifetime resident of eastern Wayne County. She is a graduate of New Hope High School and an honors graduate of Johnson Community College, where she received a degree in paralegal technology. She and her husband, Aldon, have three children and five grandchildren.
"It is my aspiration to use my knowledge and abilities to serve the people of Wayne County in the Wayne County Clerk's Office," Mrs. Summerlin said. "I pledge to you that under my leadership the clerk's office will be operated in a manner to fully serve the citizens and legal professionals of Wayne County with dignity and professionalism."
"I was born and raised on a tobacco farm," she said. "I know what hard work is all about."
Mrs. Summerlin is currently employed by Goldsboro Legal Associates. She has served on the board of directors of the North Carolina Paralegal Association and is a charter member of the Goldsboro chapter of the American Business Women's Association. She has served as president of the chapter and was honored as its Woman of the Year in1984.
Mrs. Summerlin currently serves on the board of directors for ReNu Life Inc., a non-profit corporation that helps people with brain injuries.