by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Clerk of the Courts Jim Fuller has yet to find a replacement for outgoing Chief Assistant Delores Battinelli, who has been with the courts for over 36 years and is retiring June 27.
“That’s the million dollar question,” said Executive Assistant Clerk Sylvia Blythe. “Everyone wants to know who he’ll pick.”
Blythe, Battinelli’s sister, is also retiring and her duties will be divided between Court Auditor Tom Hiers and Assistant Clerk Wallace Mills, who currently oversees the probate, recording, marriage license and mental health departments.
“There are a lot of issues that we have to look at just like any business does,” said Fuller. “When someone leaves you have to think about how you will replace them. Whoever it is definitely has big shoes to fill. Delores knows everything about the courthouse.”
Battinelli has held her current position for nearly a decade.
Though head of court personnel Gwen Loadholtz has been casually mentioned around the courthouse as a possible replacement, Fuller reportedly hasn’t singled out any candidates just yet.
“There aren’t really any front runners right now,” he said. “It’s still up in the air. There are a lot of good people but I want to take my time so that I can make the right decision. That really is a hard job and it comes with a lot of pressure and responsibility. I will say that it’s always nice when you can promote from within, but it could come down to someone completely new. Luckily, I still have three weeks.”
Fuller did reveal what qualities he is looking for in his next chief clerk.
“I’m really looking at their people skills because it’s going to require a lot of interaction with the employees who are already here and our customers, too,” he said. “People may not realize it, but a lot goes on here and the new chief assistant is going to be overseeing all of the assistant clerks.”
Battinelli, for her part, says it’s up to Fuller to hire the person he believes is most qualified.
“I’m looking forward to hearing his decision like everyone else is,” she said. “You know, the first 36 years and nine months went by so fast for me, but these last few weeks are really dragging. I’m sure he’ll make the right decision. Who knows? It’s going to take two people to do Sylvia’s job. Maybe it will take three to do mine.”