MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Lee

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE SUCCESSFUL CAREER OF PEARL RIVER COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK PEGGY STATEN UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FROM OFFICE.

WHEREAS, Peggy Staten, Pearl River County's Circuit Clerk since 1980, has decided not to run for another term in office; and

WHEREAS, Peggy stated that she never imagined a career in politics, but after serving 20 years as an elected official, she says that she cannot imagine having had any other career; and

WHEREAS, Staten began her work in the Pearl River County Circuit Court in 1975 when she was hired as a deputy circuit clerk under the leadership of long-time clerk Monroe Spiers, and she credits much of her success in the past and today to Spiers' guidance and leadership; and

WHEREAS, when Spiers decided not to run for reelection in 1979, she hastily decided to run for the position, and as one of six candidates for the office, she was the only one who had direct experience and was elected; and

WHEREAS, since Staten took office in 1980, many changes have taken place in the administration of the clerk's office, including the use of technology to modernize the duties of the clerk and her staff, the computerization of office records and machine-counting of election results; and

WHEREAS, the workload of her office has increased as the county's population has steadily increased, and the clerk's office employs five full-time clerks who handle voter registration, wedding licenses, keep records from civil circuit cases and criminal circuit cases, handle appeals from justice court and appeals to the Mississippi Supreme Court, account for fines and restitution and costs, work with election commissioners, and handle the administration of jury selection; and

WHEREAS, Peggy Staten's attention to detail and concern for the public is evidenced by the smooth operation of her office over the years and the dedication and positive attitudes of the deputy clerks; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the dedicated public service of this public official, who has brought honor to her office, her county and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the successful career of Pearl River Circuit Clerk Peggy Staten upon the occasion of her retirement from office, and wish her and her family much success in her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Circuit Clerk Peggy Staten and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.