Former staffer challenges Bishop in race for Municipal Court clerk

In the race for clerk of Municipal Court, longtime clerk Vivian Creighton Bishop faces a challenge from former employee Sylvia Hudson for the top position in the office.

Hudson and Bishop will square off in the May 24 primary because both are running as Democrats. Bishop, who has served almost 24 years in the office, is one of four city employees suing the city over alleged insufficient budgets to carry out their duties.

Known as “The People’s Court,” Municipal Court handles civil cases of less than $15,000, garnishments and writs of possession up to $15,000, and dispossessory proceedings, attachment levies, foreclosure liens and distress warrants. It also handles bad check warrants, peace warrants, abandonment warrants and good behavior warrants.

Bishop, 64, said she has made significant improvements in the office and wants to continue in the position. “The quality and quantity of services have increased and I have grown with the increase,” she said. “I feel like I’m the best person to handle the workload as well as the changes we have implemented.”

Hudson, 50, said she decided to leave her job in December and run against Bishop after she talked about retiring and whether Hudson was interested in the job. Hudson said she wouldn’t have been interested in the job if Bishop ran for re-election.

Bishop said she never told Hudson that she wasn’t running for re-election. She called Hudson in the office in September and warned her about campaigning in the office. Bishop said she resigned in December.

Hudson said she can make a difference in Municipal Court. “There are plenty of things, lots of things I would like to do to make changes in the office,” she said. “I want to work with the mayor, city council and the city manager.”

Working in the office since she was 19 years old, Hudson touts her experience for the job. “With the experience I have received working in the Municipal Court office, I want to take it to a higher level and, most importantly, I am well-equipped, well-established with all the information that comes into the court.”

The big issues facing the office are centered on budget constraints. With the office understaffed and short on resources, Bishop said it has been difficult but the office has survived. “It becomes difficult at times understaffed and getting the supplies and materials I need,” she said.

Bishop said the lawsuit she filed against the city wasn’t personal. “I need supplies, materials and personnel,” she said. “We are a revenue-creating office. I need it to continue providing the revenue I’m creating.”

For Hudson, one of the big issues facing Municipal Court and citizens of Columbus is the lawsuit Bishop filed against the city over her budget. “They are very upset with the suit that was filed, although I had no input in that,” she said. “Once I’m elected into office, I would not pursue the suit.”

Bishop said the receiving area for people is cramped and she would like to get more space to operate in the office. “I would like to have a more accommodating facility for most people using the office,” she said. “They field complaints and they don’t always want you to hear what they are saying.”

Bishop said she also would like an automated office with the best technology. She said her opponent has been in the office for 30 years and never suggested or expressed an interest in changes to improve the office.

Setting up privacy spaces for people visiting the office is a change Hudson said she would bring to the court. “I want to build trust, confidence and integrity when they come to the office,” she said.

In an office that operated with 16 employees and had a fiscal budget of about $735,850, Hudson said she also wants to use the money wisely.

“It’s a very busy office and we work after hours because the staff has to be on call for the Columbus Police Department to sign criminal warrants,” Hudson said.

If re-elected to the office, Bishop said, she will continue to perform her fiduciary requirement to the best of her ability. Her work is proven in 23 near-flawless audits, she said.

The office generates revenue to support victim witness and defense funds. “I will continue to work with the legislature to see how we can increase fines and filing fees without hurting those using our office,” she said.

If elected to lead the office, Hudson said voters can expect her to be visible, available and accountable to all calls.

Bishop said she is ready to return to the office. “I’m on the job,” she said. “I know what needs to be done here. I don’t need to know about the process of documents and customer service. I get very few complaints about that and I have to pat myself on the back and my employees for doing a wonderful job.”

Bishop said she will keep fighting for resources to operate the office. “I will continue to ask and request to fight for those items we need to make this a good office,” she said. “I will be here to do this.”

Hudson said voters should elect her because she has experience and she’s ready for the call to serve. “I am well qualified for that call of the people which has enrolled me into leadership,” she said.

This story was originally published April 23, 2016 at 8:59 PM with the headline "Former staffer challenges Bishop in race for Municipal Court clerk."