Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Reyenga cites work experience in office

Rita Reyenga said she started working in the Nevada County Circuit Clerks office in 1991. With the experience shes gained during her tenure there, she said she feels confident shes ready to take on the duties of the circuit clerks office.

I like the job, she said. I like working for the public.

Reyenga has lived in Nevada County since she was five. She has been married to her husband, Marty, for 29 years and the couple have one son who lives in Emmet. She went to school at Prescott and Lanesburg, graduating in 1978.

The majority of her childhood was spent on a farm, but Reyenga cites her first real job away from the farm as the moment she realized she enjoyed working with the public. When she was 16 she was offered a summer job with a parks department helping with a youth camp.

Even at that age, I liked to work with people, she said.

As an adult, Reyenga and her husband owned and operated a service station - Reyengas Chevron. It was open for six years and during that time Reyenga kept the books and worked at anything that needed her attention, including changing oil or flats. She was working there when former Nevada County Circuit Clerk Louise Haynie asked if Reyenga would come to work in the circuit clerks office.

I was really apprehensive, Reyenga recalls. I didnt think I could do the job. She said Id get the hang of it, so I took it.

The biggest challenge was learning all the steps to each of the various filings handled by the office, Reyenga said. From the simplest of cases, there are steps that have to be taken to be sure the paperwork is properly filed and accounted for.

It took time to learn, Reyenga said. But I have worked for two of the greatest women in that office. She cited the fact that both Haynie and the current circuit clerk, Carolyn Steed, have spent time teaching and helping all the staff stay current on new requirements. That guidance has prepared her for the position, according to Reyenga.

I have the experience, she said. I am qualified. I am committed. I will work honestly, professionally and fairly for every citizen of Nevada County.

Reyenga said the most important duties facing the circuit clerks office is the accurate keeping of records, especially in the cases of child support and court records.

That office is where the citizens come when they need information and it has to be there, Reyenga said.

She said the most rewarding moments in the circuit clerks office come when someone requests something simple. For example, a person who has lost the deed to their home may go to the circuit clerks office to request a copy.

Theyre so excited when you find it for them, Reyenga said.

Reyenga said the circuit clerk is also responsible for maintaining records for four different courts - criminal, civil, domestic and juvenile, as well as financial statements, notary bonds, mortgages and child support.

Reyenga said she has no real changes in mind, if elected to the office. She has been working only part time in that office and said she feels the office operates competently. She said she would be open to changes after shes had time to better evaluate the office.

Reyenga also works for the South Central Arkansas Drug Task Force, but said shes ready to devote her full time to the circuit clerks office. In that job, shes worked to prepare budget for the past seven years.

The campaign trail is going well, according to Reyenga. She said shes meeting lots of new people and that shes getting reacquainted with friends shed lost touch with.

Win, lose or draw, I want to go back and visit with some of them, she said.

The primary is slated for May 23 where the voters will decide whether Reyenga has the opportunity to serve as circuit clerk. Reyenga is optimistic.

I have confidence in myself that I am capable of doing the job, Reyenga said. I just hope the citizens will hire me to serve them in that office.