Terry Morrow (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Three Republicans are vying for the District Clerk seat being vacated by longtime clerk Lois Rogers.

Running for the position are Penny Clarkston, a legal assistant; Dawn Colclasure, chief deputy in the County Clerk’s office; and Terry Morrow, who currently works in the District Clerk’s office as the clerk for the 241st District Court.

The District Clerk’s office is responsible for keeping the official court records for criminal and civil cases, handling payment of court costs and sending out jury summons and paying jurors who serve.

It is apparent after hearing all three candidates that this office has a leadership problem. The tail seems to be wagging the dog in this office, with concerns ranging from staff choosing their work schedules to meet their needs leaving gaps in service and phones unanswered, lax dress codes and inappropriate decorum while court is in session.

We are pleased to see three qualified candidates present themselves for service. All three have lengthy careers, seem to be hard workers and tout their leadership abilities.

However, we believe Penny Clarkston brings the clearest vision of executing the duties of the office and changes necessary to be more customer focused. She also would bring a fresh approach to the job as someone who is not an insider in the existing county culture.

We recommend Penny Clarkston for Smith County District Clerk.