Each year in Maryland there are over 30,000 acts of domestic violence. Recently here in Anne Arundel County a woman was murdered in an act of domestic violence. As a child, I had a close and loved family member who was the victim of domestic violence and I observed the pain and difficulty of domestic violence. Far too often families across our county face the pain, fear and consequences of domestic violence. That’s why at the Clerk of the Court we provide personal support to each person seeking a protective order.
At the Clerk of the Circuit Court where I’ve worked for 27 years, we are passionate about serving our community. Our mission is fair, equitable and accessible justice. Our goal is to ensure that each and every person has access to justice and access to the services of the court.
Twenty-seven years ago, I walked into the courthouse for the first time as an employee. I thought I was starting a job, but what I found in the courthouse was a shared passion for justice and service to our community. That passion is why I am running to be the next Clerk of the Court.
As I meet people across Anne Arundel County, I’m often asked what the Clerk does. We are guided by our mission for fair, equitable and accessible justice and dedicated to serving every person in the county who needs access to the court.
We serve you in three main ways: support families, grow businesses and safer communities.
SUPPORT FAMILIES
Every family has a story. The Clerk’s office brings families together every day through issuing marriage licenses, performing civil marriage ceremonies (I’ve married over 4,000 couples) adoption services, and helping families in trouble. The Clerk’s office has be
en part of my family’s story, too: My wife and I obtained our marriage licenses there, as well as important documents when we began our journey to expand our family through adoption.
GROW BUSINESSES
A well-run Clerk’s office contributes to a strong environment for commerce and business. I will continue to provide a professional and reliable Clerk’s office that will work with our Governor and County Executive to serve the businesses in our county. This office issues 10,000 business licenses each year. We record deeds, mortgages and liens, and our responsiveness contributes to a bustling real estate industry in our county. Through service, efficiencies and timely work, we help enable job growth and thriving businesses.
MAKE COMMUNITIES SAFER
As a partner to the criminal justice system, the Clerk of the Court helps carr
y out justice and contributes to safer communities. The Drug Court helps support success over the horrific battle many face through drug addictions. Through diligence and committed employees, we protect the rights of victims and witnesses in our community and work toward restitution. Our partnerships with agencies, law enforcement and our judges help keep us safe. It’s our calling and passion.
I am honored to have the support of our current Clerk, Bob Duckworth. He has been my mentor and modeled a dedication to service that serves and respects each person who enters the courthouse.
Please connect with me on Facebook at facebook.com/DougArnoldCampaign; on Twitter and Instagram @DougArnoldAACo and at my web page dougarnold.net.
I will serve you with fair, equitable and accessible justice. Please vote for me, Doug
Arnold for Clerk.
–Doug Arnold
Note: Doug Arnold is a candidate for Clerk of the Court in Anne Arundel County. We encourage all readers to learn all they can about the candidates that will appear on the ballot. Here is a link to Arnold’s website.
