Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Duke: Office is a service to community

Judy Duke said she has always been involved in her community and that her candidacy for Nevada County Circuit Clerk is simply one more step toward that end.

I just wanted to take my community involvement to a higher level, Duke said. I just wanted to be involved on a higher level.

Duke has been a resident of Nevada County for 27 years. She moved her with her family when her husband finished college in Magnolia and wanted to come home to Prescott. She and James have been married for 35 years and have one daughter, Lori, who is married to Tim Arnette. Duke has two grandchildren, Shelby and Jack.

Duke cited organization as the most important skill needed for the circuit clerk, with people skills coming in a close second.

I have the leadership skills, Duke said. I have the people skills. And I have the desire. When I take on a job, I give it 110 percent, whether its a small job or a large job.

Commitment to stick with a job is also important, according to Duke. Weve done the chicken houses for 20 years, she said. I know what it takes to be committed.

She said the work associated with the poultry operation is hard work, but that she handles the duties ranging from working on the farm to handling the books for Pine Creek Farms. Duke said that her husband handles most of the duties associated with the farm and that she will be dedicating her full time to the circuit clerks office, if elected.

Duke said she has a background in banking, including two years working with an accountant. She said the financial and organizational skills she picked up there make her a good candidate for circuit clerk.

Duke said the fact that shes worked for the community is another reason shes anxious for the office. Shes a charter member and president of the Artesian Arts League and president of the Nevada County Cancer Association. Shes also a member of Prescott Rotary, the Nevada County Fair Board and Tri-Service, a local philanthropic group. She was named 1006 Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce, of which shes also a member. Her church is also important and she is teacher of 4th and 5th graders at Central Baptist Church and a director of the Awanas.

Duke said shes busy, but I love it. I love being involved in the community.

As involved as she is, Duke said shes met lots of people as shes worked the campaign trail.

Campaigning is going really good, she said. Ive learned a lot about the county. Ive been to parts of the county where Ive never been before. Its been a great experience.

Duke said shes had no second thoughts about her decision to run for office.

Its been a great experience, she said. I dont look at it as a job. I look at it as an opportunity to be more involved with the community.

In the end, Duke said its all up to the citizens of Nevada County.

Its not about what I want, she said. Its going to be about what the citizens of Nevada County want. If they want a candidate wholl work tirelessly for them, then I would ask them to vote for me.

Duke cited the record keeping, especially as needed with child support, courts and mortgages, as the most important duties of the circuit clerk. She said shes prepared to take those duties seriously.

I just want the people to know I will commit myself to service the people of Nevada County with professionalism, integrity and honesty. I have the self-confidence to handle the day-to-day business of that office.