Name as it Appears on the Ballot: Barbara D. Moore
Date of Birth: 11/18/1970
Mailing address: PO Box 171, Garner, NC 27529
Campaign Web Site: http://www.moore4clerk.com
Occupation & Employer: District Court Judge, State of North Carolina
Home Phone: 919-291-0644
Email: Barbara@moore4clerk.com
1.What do you think are the most important issues facing Wake County Superior Court?
The Clerk of Superior Court is the hub of the judicial system. The Clerk keeps the wheels of justice turning. The primary issue facing the court system is communication and cooperation. There are so many players in the system that a breakdown in communication on any level is possible. The victims want to be heard and they want justice while defendants want fairness and a system with integrity. You have Judges, District Attorneys, Public Defenders, private attorneys, judicial staff, law enforcement, citizens, county commissioners, bail agents, school boards, law makers and the list goes on and on…Someone has to bring them all together. That’s our job. That’s our biggest issue. We must be the line in the sand and says, “Your voice is important. You matter. The Clerk is here to help.”
2. What in your capacity as an administrator or other experience qualifies you to serve as Clerk of Superior Court?
The Clerk of Court wears many hats. They are the comptroller; records keeper; staff administrator; and ex-officio judge of probate. My experience working hand in hand as the director of the Clerk’s Conference over the past seven years and with the District Attorney’s Conference prior to that has provided me the ability to manage million dollar budgets, multiple staffs and learn firsthand what it takes to run an effective and efficient office.
3. Do you think more hiring is needed in the Wake County court system? What else could be improved?
Wake County Clerk’s office is currently staffed below 80%. The office needs over 25 staff to bring it up to a staffing level that can handle the caseload. Improvements in technology can reduce the number of staff needed. Creating efficiencies in processes and better utilizing existing resources can also reduce that number. However, I believe some things cannot be automated. Well trained employees tasked with providing quality, efficient service can never be replaced. Technology and processes will lessen the number of staff needed but customer service and access to justice should be a top priority of the Clerk. Serving the citizens of Wake County is a must.
4. How would you define yourself politically? Do you think a person’s political philosophy is relevant to their role as Clerk of Superior Court? If so, how?
I am a Christian and a conservative. I believe that we all should strive to seek justice, embrace mercy and live with humility. The Clerk must serve each person that comes through the courthouse door regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity or religious beliefs. There is no room for politics within the walls of the courthouse. The Clerk of Court holds an extraordinary amount of judicial discretion and it is imperative that the Clerk be free from any personal or political agendas and that this office not be used to further that agenda. A Clerk must have a heart to serve people. Period.
5. As voters approach this race in a primary, what sets you apart from the other candidates in this race?
I have 18 years of experience in the court system. I have worked with law enforcement, district attorneys and Clerks of Court statewide. NC is a unified court system and to be successful in this job it will take someone who has the background, ability and fortitude to build bridges, be willing to take hard stands and difficult issue while knowing the art of compromise when necessary. This system needs someone willing to go “ALL IN” and do whatever it take to serve the citizens of this county.
6. What, if anything, do you think voters should know about the position of Clerk of Superior Court?
(Not answered.)
