INSIDER: Tattnall County Clerk of Court Candidate Bridget Beecher

Due to the social distancing guidelines, we have converted our traditional AllOnGeorgia candidate video interviews into short questionnaires. Each candidate in the race was provided an identical questionnaire with the same deadline. Answers were not edited in any way.

The Primary Election was moved to June 9th.
The last day to register to vote in the primary is May 11th.
Early voting begins May 18th.
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Please provide a brief bio on yourself.

My name is Bridget McDaniel Beecher. I was born and raised in Reidsville, Georgia and I am daughter of the late Bobby and Glenda McDaniel. I am a graduate from Pinewood Christian Academy and Brewton Parker College. I am married to Willie Beecher and we have 3 children, Cody, who is engaged to Haley Hodges, Callie and Cade. We attend Pineview Baptist Church. I have been employed as a Deputy Clerk since June of 1996. I was hired by Clerk of Court Pansy Godbee while living in Waynesboro and once we returned to Reidsville, I was hired by Clerk of Court Debbie Crews and continued working for Clerk of Court Sherry Bland until the first of March, 2020, when a leave of absence was required in order for me to seek this office. I have over 23 years of work experience as a Deputy Clerk. I have a vast knowledge in all areas of Clerk duties.

What experience do you have that properly equips you for the position of Clerk of Court?

I have over 23 years work experience as a Deputy Clerk in both Burke and Tattnall counties. I have worked in all areas of the office, more specifically as the habeas corpus, juvenile, filed deeds and plats, and civil and criminal cases along with working with all of the Judges and their staff.  Up until recently I was the one of the first clerks to greet and assist you and you entered the office.

How do you view the day-to-day role of the Clerk of Court? (The balance between managing the office, working with other elected officials, and general public servant work; daily duties and responsibilities; etc.)

The Clerk of Courts office is primarily a public service office due to it being the liaison between the Superior and State Court Judges, Law Enforcement and the public. The main responsibility of this office is to insure all documents are filed in a timely manner and are easily accessible. Serving the public on a daily basis is also one of the main priorities in making sure that they feel welcomed and that all their questions and needs are met. Being able to communicate and work with the attorneys and their staff is also part of our daily task.

What practices are in place in the Clerk’s Office that you think are important to carry over into a new administration?

Filing and maintaining all documents in a timely manner is a vital practice in this office.  It makes our job easier when assisting the public, attorneys and our Judges.  Also, having employees who are trained in specific areas of the office make helping each individual easier and also helps the work flow more efficiently.

How can the Tattnall County Clerk’s Office be more efficient? 

Ensuring that all employees are cross trained and have reasonable knowledge in each and every aspect of the office.  This a very important way in which this office can be more efficient. 

How can the Clerk’s Office be more transparent about activities and finances?

The Clerk’s office is responsible for receiving and distributing probation fees and fines for the State and Superior Courts.  We have a program in place at this time that I feel is very transparent as it has the capability to break down the monies and where the monies are to be distributed. The program also receipts copies and new cases filed, and real estate documents as they are received.

What types of practices do you plan to implement to advance the office technologically? 

There are several items that I would like to implement if elected.  I would like to complete the set up the option to use debit or credit card for payment, as most people no longer carry cash or checks. I feel like this would be an asset to customer service if we offered this to the public.  I would also like to set up a web site which would include the important dates for court,  jury selections, cancellations, etc. This would make important information easily accessible for the citizens of Tattnall County.  I would also like to implement the addition of an after hours drop box. I feel that it would not only help the attorneys but the public as well.

Will any other employment or business venture in which you are vested present a conflict of interest for you as Clerk of Court? Please explain your answer.

The Clerk of Courts Office will have my 100% undivided attention as I am not involved in any other business ventures or any other employment.

Why do you want to be the next Clerk of Court of Tattnall County?

Growing up the daughter of a Georgia State Trooper I have the upmost respect for our government and political system. Having been a Deputy Clerk in both Burke and Tattnall county, I realize how important this position is to our county and our community. I feel that my work experience, work ethics and my desire to serve the citizen as their next Clerk of Court is what drives to me to seek this position.  I hope to maintain a professional and welcoming atmosphere in this office so that everyone who walks in and out, whether a customer or county or state employee feel they have been assisted to the best of this offices’ ability.  Interaction with the public, city, and state employees is the heartbeat of the office. I have enjoyed working and helping each and every individual over my years of working in this capacity. 

Is there anything else you would like the public to know about you?