By Conrad Dudderar
Senior Staff Writer
Precinct polling places will be open across Canadian County next Tuesday for voters to decide the race for district court clerk.
El Reno’s Marie Hirst, 57, is seeking her fourth term as Canadian County’s court clerk. She is being challenged by her former chief deputy, El Reno’s Rindie Hunt, 43.
The incumbent cited her 24 years of service in the court clerk’s office, the last 12 as court clerk.
“That equals the three E’s – experience, experience, experience,” Hirst said. “Plus 131 years of experience from my 23 employees. How can you beat that?”
The challenger pointed to her 16 years in the court clerk’s office along with her time as chief bailiff/clerk for District Judge Jack McCurdy.
Hunt said Canadian County citizens are “fed up with business as usual” and ready for “financial transparency” from the court clerk, adding that she’ll ensure tax dollars are spent properly.
Since both candidates are Republicans, the winner will be decided at the primary election on Tuesday, June 30. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
There is no need for a general election because Hirst and Hunt are from the same political party.
The top vote-getter in next Tuesday’s primary will earn the next four-year term that starts in January 2021.
This is the only county-wide race on this year’s ballot.
Three other Canadian County officeholders did not draw opponents in their re-election bids.
Earning new four-year terms are Canadian County Sheriff Chris West of Mustang, District 2 County Commissioner David Anderson of Mustang and County Clerk Sherry Murray of El Reno.
No other candidates filed against West, Anderson or Murray during April’s three-day filing period for county offices.
As such, this trio will join the winner of the court clerk’s race to start new terms next January.
Anderson will start his fourth term as District 2 county commissioner while West begins his second term as sheriff and Murray her second term as county clerk.
