Minchew to retire at end of second term
By Jack Stephens
Published in News on October 26, 2004 2:07 PM
Marshall Minchew an-nounced today that he will not seek a third four-year term as Wayne County clerk of court. He said he will retire when his current term ends in December 2006.
"This was not an overnight decision," Minchew said. "I've really enjoyed working here."
The 57-year-old Minchew said it had been "a pleasure and an honor" to serve Wayne County citizens.
When he retires, Minchew will have served 36 years in government, eight as clerk of court. He said he wanted to spend more time with his family and to do volunteer work.
Before being elected the first time in 1998, Minchew served as a magistrate for almost 20 years and as a sheriff's deputy for five years. He also is a Vietnam War veteran.
Minchew supervises 35 assistant and deputy clerks who keep records of what happens in numerous courts and collect fines and payoffs.
In 1998, Minchew led a crowded field in the Democratic primary but came a few votes short of a 40 percent plurality to earn the nomination. But he swamped incumbent Hardy Sullivan in a runoff election to win the nomination. Minchew then defeated Sheriff's Maj. Glenn Odom, a Republican, in a close general election.
When Minchew took office, he fired three veteran assistant clerks and demoted another. He weathered criticism for the moves and was re-elected in 2002 without opposition.
Minchew announced that Pamela Minshew, an assistant clerk in charge of the estates division, will run for the clerk's position in 2006. She is not related to Minchew.
"She is an outstanding employee who has helped me tremendously in the office," Minchew said.
Mrs. Minshew has worked 25 years with the state, including about five years at Cherry Hospital.
She was hired first by former Clerk Shelton Jordan and was promoted in 1992 from a deputy clerk to assistant clerk by former Clerk David Brantley, now a District Court judge. She has completed numerous continuing education classes.
Several magistrates also may seek the clerk's position.