Ex-clerk kicks off campaign for top Municipal Court position

If elected as the Municipal Court Clerk, Sylvia Hudson kicked off her campaign Saturday with a pledged not to pursue the lawsuit her former boss has against the city of Columbus for unadequate budget funding.

“This is something I wouldn’t want to bring along because it wasn’t anything I’ve done,” Hudson said Saturday during a news conference at the Columbus Public Library. “I have very little knowledge . Hopefully it will be resolved soon.”

Hudson said she would work with the mayor, city manger and city attorney to get the issue resolved.

Hudson faces incumbent Vivian Creighton Bishop in the May 24 primary for the seat. Bishop and three other elected officials filed lawsuits against the city in 2014 over alleged unadequate budgets to complete their duties. Other elected officials Superior Court Clerk Linda Pierce, Muscogee Marshal Greg Countryman and Muscogee County Sheriff John Darr, who will run as an Independent, face opposition for re-election.

Hudson, 49, said she resigned her position as a senior clerk in December to run for the office where she has served for 30 years.

“It’s just my nature to treat people right with respect and dignity,” she said. “This is what I want to bring to Municipal Court. I feel like I’m still there. With the 30 years I put in the office, I know I can bring more and can serve you better.”

A supporter asked Hudson if she would be visible in the office she manages or will employees be watched by video when she’s not there. “My answer to that is I will be visible, I will be available and I will know exactly what’s going on in the office at all times,” she said.

Hudson also said she wants to transform the office procedures with a positive professional environment.

Since 2001, Hudson has taken a series of related courses in accounting, paralegal, personal injury and others.

This story was originally published March 19, 2016 at 9:36 PM with the headline "Ex-clerk kicks off campaign for top Municipal Court position."