Editor, Smithfield Times

The website for Virginia’s Judicial System states that “the circuit court is the trial court with the broadest powers in Virginia.” On that same website, there is a 113-page duty list detailing the over 800 duties of the Clerk. For the past 16 years, Gail P. Clayton has been entrusted by the Citizens of Surry County to preside over Surry’s Circuit Court as its Clerk in order to appropriately and effectively carry out each duty.

Ms. Clayton’s opponents have each stressed educating the public rather than their personal matriculation. This is problematic. The website states that the Clerk must not give legal advice.

Both opponents also desire to mentor high school students, if elected. Ms. Clayton has offered several paid internship opportunities to college students when the budget permitted.

As a graduate of Marshall Wythe’s School of Law (William and Mary), Ms. Clayton has used her law degree to maximize the capacity in which the Circuit Court is supposed to operate. The citizens of Surry have entrusted the operation of the courthouse to Gail P. Clayton for the past 16 years. With her education and experience, it is in good hands.

Gina Y. Clayton
Surry