Candidate Snapshot
61 years old; Jefferson County resident for 24 years; Democratic Party candidate
Community Service Experience — Trustee at Asbury United Methodist Church in Charles Town; member of Charles Town Rotary; Ranson CVB, President; Teen Court Advisory Board; Adult Drug Court treatment team; Local Advisory Board for Treatment Courts of Jefferson County; Juvenile Drug Court mentor; Fraternal Activities Chair for the Women of the Moose #1028; JCYSL Soccer coach and fundraiser chair
Work Experience & Education — Executive Assistant to Finance Director/Business Management Coordinator, University of Maryland European Division (Heidelberg, Germany); Budget Analyst, American Systems Corporation (Chantilly, VA); Homebound Teacher, Jefferson County Schools; Long Term Substitute Jefferson County Schools. BA Business and Management, University of Maryland.
The candidate’s responses below were edited only for clarity & spelling.
What specific experience and expertise do you have that is relevant to performing the role of Circuit Court Clerk?
I have worked in the Circuit Clerk’s office for 21 years now and the last 14 years I have served as your Circuit Clerk. I have served for 4 years as a board member of the West Virginia Association of Counties and I am currently in my second term as vice-president representing circuit clerks statewide.
What are the most important issues you expect the Circuit Court Clerk’s office will need to address in the next few years?
Through my many years of dedicated service, I have brought the most up to date technology and services available to this office. I have also created an excellent atmosphere of cooperation and communication with other officers and agencies in the justice system so that cases are efficiently processed. One of the most important duties a circuit clerk has is they must follow the directives given in all court orders filed either by the judges or the WV Supreme Court of Appeals. The clerk’s duties are ministerial; that is, the duties are prescribed by statute, order, rule, or other directive and are absolute, certain, and required. The clerk has no discretion as to the performance of these duties. I have fulfilled my duties at the highest level. Politics should never play a part in how litigants are treated in the clerk’s office as all persons should be treated with respect and dignity. I have proven my leadership abilities by effectively serving while offering kindness and compassion to all persons entering the clerk’s office.
What are your priorities for how the Circuit Court Clerk’s office operates?
My priority will be to finish our project of digitizing all court records for preservation and quick access by the public. I will continue to ensure that this clerk’s office operates at the highest standards for customer service and efficiency.
Why should voters vote for you?
My responsibilities to the citizens that enter our office and the court are immense, and the need to provide knowledge, compassion and kindness is paramount. Every person I meet, regardless of party affiliation has, and always will be, treated with the upmost respect, as politics have never played a part in how litigants are treated in the circuit clerk’s office
Jefferson County has been my home for 24 years and when I first came here, I instantly chose this county to raise my children, worship, volunteer and work. I have three adult children, Charles, Bradley and Nicole. I have served over 10 years as a Trustee at Asbury United Methodist Church in Charles Town and as a member of the Charles Town Rotary. I have volunteered with the Ranson CVB for over 15 years and I am currently serving as president of that board. I volunteered for a few years as a soccer coach with the JCYSL and served as the fundraiser chair for 3 years. I have served on the Teen Court Advisory Board since 2012 and as a treatment team member of the Adult Drug Court since 2015 when they began in Jefferson County as well as the Local Advisory Board for Treatment Courts of Jefferson County. I have also served as a Juvenile Drug Court Mentor. I am currently the Fraternal Activities Chair for the Women of the Moose #1028. I am a member of the Charles Town Moose Lodge #948 and the Women of the Moose #1028, VFW Post 3522, Charles Town, Jackson-Perks American Legion Post 71 and the Brunswick Eagles Aerie 1136. I am a proud member of the NRA. My patriotism runs deep as I come from a strong military family, my son served in the Air National Guard, my dad served in the Navy, my uncle and my oldest brother are retired Air Force, my other brother served in the Army and my cousin served as a Marine.
County residents know me and most importantly know they can approach me at any time and any place and I will listen and assist them in every way possible. I know the courts can be a scary place so if I can empower someone with information or direction on where to find the information, then I have made a difference.
I am running for re-election because I love serving this county and I want to continue my mission of providing the highest level of service possible while offering kindness and compassion to litigants as they navigate through the court system. I humbly ask for your vote so I may have the honor of continuing my service to you.
Laura Storm – Jefferson Circuit Court Clerk
Facebook: LauraStormforCircuitClerk; Email: Laura4CircuitClerk@gmail.com
In 2022, there are two candidates running for Jefferson Circuit Court Clerk (voters can select 1):
Laura Storm (currently serving as Circuit Court Clerk) is the Democratic Party candidate.
Tina Renner is the Republican Party candidate.
Read More: The Observer’s Guide to the 2022 Election
By Staff Contributor