Bridges Funeral Home

The responsibilities of the clerk’s office in Knox County are diverse. The office handles General Sessions lawsuits and wage garnishment orders, juvenile court issues including child support and lawsuits filed in Circuit Court, among other things.It is what is known as a fee office in which the fees charged Circuit Court customers fund the office’s budget. Current Knox County Circuit Court Clerk Cathy Shanks is not seeking reelection.More: Tom Spangler vs. Lee Tramel: Styles clash in Knox County sheriff's raceMore: Candidates compete for Knox County Schools Board of Education seatsMore: Field of five running for Knox County Mayor to replace BurchettDon RidingsDon Ridings, 56, jumped into the race before Shanks decided to step down. The owner of a technology business, Ridings cites his “36 years of management experience” as his biggest asset in the race. Ridings is on the Republican ballot.“Customer service there has been lacking somewhat,” Ridings said of the clerk’s office.He said he also wants to make technological upgrades to make the clerk’s office more efficient.Bo BennettIncreasing efficiency is what Republican candidate Bo Bennett, 31, said is a goal of his should he be elected to the post. He said he wants to reduce “work loads and wait times” at the clerk’s office.Buy PhotoBo Bennett, candidate for Circuit Court Clerk, in the News Sentinel studio Friday, Mar. 23, 2018. (Photo: Michael Patrick/News Sentinel)Bennett said he works for a firm that conducts efficiency studies for businesses and governments.“I have that skill set,” he said. “That gives me the edge.”Tim WheelerTim Wheeler, 56, cites his “15-plus years” working in the clerk’s office as his edge in the race. Wheeler left the office in 2015. He and Shanks do not agree on why. Wheeler contends he blew the whistle on her for paying an employee who was largely absent. He’s suing. He said he hopes to collect for taxpayers the ghost employee pay through his legal action.“I am the only candidate that has Circuit Court Clerk experience, and I will be able to do the job from day one, wh... (Knoxville News Sentinel)