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After much thought and prayer, I have decided to run as a Republican candidate for Circuit Clerk of Simpson County. The duties of the Circuit Clerk are to assist the Court with the jury selection process, assist with the election process, and maintain accurate court and marriage records.
I am a life-long resident of Simpson County and previously worked as an investigator for the District Attorney’s Office for the 13th Circuit Court District of Mississippi. In that position, I assisted with the prosecution of felony Circuit Court cases in Simpson, Smith, Covington and Jasper Counties. Subsequently, I opened Fortenberry Law Firm on Main Street in Mendenhall. As an attorney, I practiced law in every court in Simpson County, as well as the Circuit Court, where I gained trial experience. I am the only candidate that has personal experience with the jury selection process and the electronic filing system operated by the Circuit Clerk’s Office.
While a practicing lawyer in Mendenhall, the Simpson County Board of Supervisors appointed me, by a unanimous 5 to 0 vote, to serve an unexpired term as Justice Court Judge. In that position, I was responsible for conducting court and hearing civil and criminal cases. I have also been appointed to serve as the Simpson County Public Defender, as well as the Public Defender for the Cities of Mendenhall and Magee.
Having practiced law in the Circuit Court of Simpson County, I know how our jury system works. My legal training in election laws will help us eliminate voter fraud so that we can conduct fair and secure elections. My hands-on experience with the Circuit Court’s electronic case filing system will help ensure that records are accurately filed. As a fiscal conservative, I am committed to operating an efficient office within its budget.
But most of all, I promise to work hard for the citizens of Simpson County, regardless of the hours required, in order to take care of your business.
I would appreciate your prayers, consideration and vote in the Republican Primary on Tuesday, August 6, as well as the General Election on Tuesday November 5, 2019.
/s/Witt Fortenberry