Candidate: Janice Harris-Simmons

I am a product of the public schools of Gadsden County and a 1978 graduate of James A. Shanks High School.  I am also a graduate of Florida A & M University, where I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.  I have over 30 years of experience working in all facets of governmental accounting, auditing, and budgeting; including twelve years with the Office of the Auditor General, serving as lead auditor on several audit engagements; and thirteen years with the Executive Office of the Governor, serving as Budget Chief with the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget before retiring where I supervised staff in the development of the Governor’s budget, wrote legislation, analyzed legislation, and prepared office policies and procedures.

My decision to run for Clerk of Court was not taken lightly. After much consideration, my desire to serve the community and my passion for helping people and desiring more for the citizens of this county, it made sense for me to run for an office that fulfilled my gifts and passion to serve others in this capacity.

The Clerk basically serves as administrator and financial manager for the county. The Clerk’s office collects fines and fees, in accordance with Florida Statutes, and serves as custodian over court records and deeds. I am well qualified to handle this responsibility.

My goals for the Clerk’s office include, to provide:

·       Superior and Effective Customer Service and Community Service

·       Accountability and Accuracy

·       Utilization of Technology and Innovative Processes

·       Care, Custody, and Control of Public Records

·       Effective Working Relationships Between All Offices in the County

As the Clerk, I will be a good steward over the taxpayers’ dollars.  I will provide more services to the community such as an advertising campaign to ensure more participation in the Greenlight program; provide clinics in each community to discuss an array of topics such as Family law, etc.; Upgrade technology enabling citizens to obtain certain services without having to leave their homes; there’s so much more!

My community service includes, but not limited to:

·       Sponsoring outings and youth rallies to hundreds of youth in Gadsden County

·       Sponsoring coat, and blanket giveaways for the homeless

·       My husband and I serve as Mobile Pantry Coordinator (food giveaways) for my church, Truth Gatherers Dream Center Church, one church serving two locations, Tallahassee, and Monticello. 

I am the daughter of Charlie Harris, a businessman in Quincy, Florida, and Betty Harris, a retired Gadsden County schoolteacher. I am married to Larry Simmons, Sr, of Pensacola and together we have five children, Darryl, Julia, Larry Jr. (Candice), Tamara, and Caleb; and seven grandchildren.

You can visit my website at Jan4Clerk.com to find out more about me and my agenda for the Clerk’s office.

Please vote for a fresh vision and a fresh voice in Gadsden County. Vote for Janice Harris-Simmons for Gadsden County Clerk of Court.