Candidate: Suzanne Michele Maxwell

It is with great enthusiasm to announce that I have filed my intent, as a candidate for the position of Franklin County's Clerk of Circuit Court. As our long-time Clerk in the position, Honorable Marcia M. Johnson plans to retire at the end of this year. 

 I am a non-partisan candidate seeking office. I have been an employee at the Franklin County Clerk’s office for the past 16 years I am a 5th generation native of Franklin County. My parents are Billy and Glenda Varnes, who are also lifelong residents of Franklin County. I am a 1991 graduate of Apalachicola High School. I have been married to my husband, Jimmy Maxwell for 22 years together we have our daughter, Myia. I am blessed to be the stepmom of three wonderful sons, Kevin, Ellis, and Marcus. We have five beautiful grandchildren.

 I have been a member of the Eastpoint Church of God for the past 22 years. Also, I am a active member of GFWC Philaco Woman’s Club of Apalachicola.

 The Clerk of the Circuit Court is a multi-faceted position that involves various duties set by the Florida Constitution, Statutes, Rules of Court, and Governmental Standards of Accounting. The Clerk does not make public policy. Moreover, the Clerk is a public servant. In addition, the Clerk is the docket manager and record keeper for our county and circuit courts, as the Clerk assists with domestic violence injunctions, audits guardianship records, and maintains record retention. The Clerk must also, collect and disburse court fines and fees, conduct foreclosure sales, the summoner of jurors, the recorder of official records, the issuer of tax deeds, the processor of marriage licenses and passport applications, the County's hub for finance, and the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners.

 It is an honor to have gained over 16 years of experience as a public servant, at the Franklin County Clerk’s Office. Prior to working at the Clerk’s office, I gained almost 10 years of experience, at the Law Office of Shuler and Shuler. Hence, I begin my career, at the Clerk's office in 2004, working and training in various capacities. I brought my knowledge and experience, gained from working in the law office. I use my ability to multi-task to be a leader in the Civil Division. Additionally, I conduct foreclosure sales, maintain the Clerk's website for foreclosure sales,  Small Claims, Evictions, Dissolution of Marriage, Child Custody, Paternity, Adoptions, Child Support, Name Changes, Domestic, Repeat, Stalking, Dating and Sexual Violence Injunctions, Probate, Guardianship, Guardianship Audits, Marchman Acts, Bakers Act, Juvenile Dependency, Juvenile Delinquency, and Appeals.  I also handle public records requests within our division. 

 I am knowledgeable in all aspects of the Clerk’s operation. Further, I travel to work at our courthouse annex in Carrabelle to assist customers. It is there, I am able to assist customers in all divisions.  I have humbly served under more than 12 Judges, gaining a passion for my job. I continuously strive to grow and stay up to date, by attending clerk's conferences, workshops, training classes, and webinars for continuing education.  In addition to my experience, I am certified with FDLE to receive background check results for Name Changes through FDLE, with confidentiality. I am the administrator over our E-Filing Portal system. I am responsible for imputing in all of the docket codes, case types, fee codes, and fee schedules into the E-Portal system to get it up and running. This was a tremendous accomplishment as it allowed attorneys to begin filing pleadings through our E-Filing system. If elected, I will continue to maintain the E-Portal system. 

 In order to serve the people of Franklin County, I will utilize my experience to effectively communicate and maintain healthy partnerships. I have developed strong working relationships with the people of Franklin County and remained dedicated and loyal to my team at the Clerk's office. I have developed working relationships with Judges, Lawyers, Deputy Clerks throughout the State of Florida and staff members of the Florida Clerk of Court Association. I have proven to be dependable, and trustworthy. My co-workers have expressed that they can rely on me if they need a helping hand. I promise to give you, the public that same comfort and open-door policy. I will use my leadership to provide a courteous and efficient service that you, the citizens of Franklin County deserve. If elected, I will continue to use my values to be trustworthy, efficient, and friendly, to serve the people of Franklin County to promote strong relationships, within the court system, and the office. I look forward to meeting you and allow you to get acquainted with who I am. Please consider voting for me Michele Maxwell on November 3, 2020. For further questions or concerns, I can be reached at 850-653-5118 or via email at michelemaxwell2020@yahoo.com.