Monticello — Josephine Gregory has been appointed as interim Wayne County Clerk to
complete the unexpired term of Melissa Turpin, who resigned from the
position last week after entering guilty pleas on four felony charges.
Gregory was appointed by Wayne County Judge-Executive Greg Rankin on Friday,
October 23.
Gregory, who has more than 20 years experience working in the Wayne
County Clerk's office, was sworn in that morning. Gregory finished second in
the 2006 election for the clerk's position.
Rankin issued a statement on Friday, as state auditors prepared to
complete an inventory at the office, which had been closed since Turpin's
resignation on Tuesday afternoon. He described the situation surrounding
Turpin's resignation as "a sad situation for those involved and for our
community as a whole."
"We must move forward however and the county's business has to
continue," stated Rankin. "Our citizens need access to the clerk's office to
record deeds, license vehicles and conduct many other kinds of business. For
this reason, it is very important that we move as quickly as possible to
reopen the office."
Rankin said the responsibility of appointing an interim clerk was one
that he did not take lightly.
"The job of county clerk is a difficult one under normal circumstances
and will be even more difficult during these extraordinary times," said
Rankin. "It is vital that the next clerk have the knowledge and experience
to run the office effectively from day one. There is no time for on-the-job
training under these conditions. Our citizens deserve an office that
operates efficiently and safeguards their tax dollars at the same time.
These necessities were my priorities when considering potential
replacements."
Rankin noted that former Wayne County Clerk Carol Jones, who retired
from that office, has agreed to help on a volunteer basis during the
transition.
"I truly appreciate her willingness to give her time and talents to the
operation of the clerk's office and to the citizens of Wayne County," said
Rankin. "Together, Mrs. Gregory and Mrs. Jones have over 43 years of
experience working in the clerk's office. Our citizens will benefit from
their extensive knowledge."
The Wayne County Clerk's Office reopened on Monday morning at 8 a.m.
Gregory noted that office hours will be from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday and from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday.
