Lewis Ridenour, an Oak Ridge police officer, is running for Anderson County Circuit Court clerk.
Ridenour is a former chief deputy of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department. He is an Anderson County native who lives in Andersonville with his wife of 25 years, Pam, a press release said.
In the press release, Ridenour said he pledged to bring integrity, public service experience, sound judgement, and knowledge to the office.
Ridenour has served with the Oak Ridge Police Department since 2008, the press release said. His current assignment for the past seven years has been as liaison to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Before he worked for the City of Oak Ridge, Ridenour served with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department, where he served as a reserve deputy corrections officer and eventually advanced to the rank of chief deputy, the press release said. In the role of chief deputy, he oversaw daily operations for the nearly 170 employee organization. He has undergone extensive background investigations and holds two current security clearances, the press release said. He has served on numerous boards and committees and currently serves on both The Anderson County Conservation Board and the nonprofit Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue Board, the release said.
“I am pleased and honored to announce my candidacy for Anderson County Circuit Court clerk,” Ridenour said in the release. “During my nearly 30 years of service to the citizens of Anderson County, I have gained an understanding of the complexities of city and county government, including its capabilities and limitations.”
Ridenour said the Circuit Court clerk ensures the efficient operations of state courts by maintaining dockets and records and handling administrative matters.
“More importantly, the position serves as a good will ambassador to the public,” he said. “I believe I am the better choice to be your next Circuit Court clerk, while continuing my public service. Not as a career politician, but as a career public servant with a proven record of accomplishments.”
Ridenour said he is an advocate of term limits and would commit to a two-term limit if elected.
“In doing so, it safeguards public service from those who seek to exploit it for personal gain,” he said.
The Circuit Court clerk serves during a four-year term.
Ridenour said he has experience as an administrator and has worked within the state courts, prosecuting hundreds of cases. That has made him familiar with and knowledgeable about the operations of the clerk’s office, including its shortcomings, particularly those experienced by law enforcement, the press release said.
“Knowing firsthand the burden placed on law enforcement and their respective agencies, I pledge to make the process easier for all involved parties,” Ridenour said. “This is not a new concept, and in fact, was listed as a ‘key goal’ nearly four years ago by the incumbent clerk. If elected, I will fulfill that promise and create probable cause clerks to be available to our area law enforcement agencies at all times.”
Ridenour will be running in the 2022 Republican Party Primary, which will be May 3, 2022. Early voting for the May 3 primary will begin April 13, 2022.
Ridenour said he looks forward to a “positive campaign, meeting citizens and tackling challenges.”
The incumbent is Rex Lynch, a former Anderson County mayor who was elected Circuit Court Clerk in 2018.
To learn more about Ridenour, visit www.facebook.com/RidenourforCircuitCourtClerk or send an email to [email protected].
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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