Suffolk News-Herald

W. Randolph Carter Jr., a candidate for the Suffolk office of Clerk of Courts, said he is humbled and honored by the endorsement of the alumni of the &uot;Citizen’s Police Academy.&uot; The members of the Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association of Suffolk, (CAAS) proffered their support in his bid for the office that is being sought by six others.

Donna Perry, CAAS president, issued a statement Thursday as she met with Carter to make the announcement.

&uot;Mr. Carter’s rise to his present position of Deputy Commonwealth Attorney is the result of intellect, effort, character and integrity,&uot; said Perry. &uot;There are certain requirements that the leadership of Clerk of the Court must have, and I believe if you study his qualifications, you will agree that Randy Carter possesses all the attributes necessary for the office of Clerk of Court.&uot;

Perry, the News-Herald’s Citizen of the Year 2003, added that she and the members of CAAS also believe Carter will prove to be an excellent public servant, following in the steps of his mentor, the late Clerk of the Court, Henry C. Murden.

&uot;Mr. Carter has been an excellent public servant for the citizen’s of Suffolk all through his career,&uot; she said. &uot;He’s currently serving as the Deputy Commonwealth Attorney, but he’s also a past president; and chairman of the Suffolk Ruritans’ Shrimp Feast and Zone One lieutenant Governor of the Holland District Ruritans. He has also served as chairman of 2000 Peanut Fest, and he serves on the boards and as a member of several community organizations and clubs.&uot;

Perry said she and the CAAS members consider Carter an excellent leader and role model for the community.

&uot;Suffolk is a very unique city because we are a friendly community and our citizen’s enjoy that familiarity,&uot; said Perry. &uot;Having been born and raised in Suffolk, he is well known and respected by so many people. In fact, I believe that the late Clerk of the Court Henry Murden was probably the most capable person to judge the qualifications required for the office he would vacate. He said Mr. Carter is in the best position to accomplish a smooth transition when the leadership of the office changes hands, and that he possesses the qualifications to effectively manage and run the office upon his retirement.&uot;

Perry added that the members of CAAS agree with Murden’s June 28 endorsement, and endorsements from both the Suffolk Police Officers Association and the Suffolk Democratic Committee.

Prior to his Aug. 11, Murden said he spoke with several candidates and that after his meetings with them, he believed Carter to be the candidate to support.

&uot;We all believe that Randy Carter is fully capable of continuing the excellent service, and following the example which has been so worthily set by his predecessor, Mr. Murden,&uot; said Perry. &uot;His 22 years legal experience, knowledge in the administration and supervision within a constitutional office, and broad computer experience will be an asset to the position. It is because of these qualities, and because he has won the affection and respect of all who know him, that we, feel privileged to vote for him as Suffolk’s next Clerk of Court. We respectfully ask all citizens to vote for W. Randolph Carter Jr.&uot;

Carter said he is most appreciative and humbled by the endorsement from CAAS. He serves as an instructor in the Citizen’s Police Academy. Perry was a student at the academy almost three years ago.