Local

Huskey to step down

By ANDIE LEATHERMAN, LTN Staff Writer

Jan. 14, 2002 - Long time clerk of court Pam Huskey is retiring later this year, leaving the election field open.

Huskey, who has served as clerk since 1986, will step down in 2002 though no firm date has been set. She is still waiting on state officials to tell her when her 30 years is officially up.

The veteran clerk said she is ready for retirement.

 “I’ve enjoyed it but its time to find another adventure.”

According to county Democrat party chairman Tom Martin, two contenders have stepped forward. Patsy Black and Sonny McSwain announced their candidacies during a recent party meeting.

Black works at Peoples Bank in Denver and McSwain is a magistrate.

The position pays approximately $69,900 annually. Clerks are elected for a four year term.

Huskey, a Democrat, has not put her support behind any contenders yet. If she does make any endorsements, it will be after the primary, she said.

Before being elected clerk, she worked as an assistant and deputy in that office.

Huskey said the hardest part of leaving will be the uncertain fate of those working in the office. Workers are not covered by personnel laws instead they are employed at the will of the clerk meaning a new boss could mean dismissals.

“I want to see that they are looked after,” Huskey said.

She praised the staff, saying attorneys from other counties are often surprised at the high level of service.

When candidates may file to run is still up in the air. The filing period is from Feb. 18 to March 1 though that could change due to a suit being filed by the state Republican party, Huskey said.

The filing period could be postponed causing primaries as late as August.

“It’s going to have a real impact,” she said.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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