Higgason, Damron vying for Marion County District 1 circuit clerk

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Republican voters in the Aug. 2 Primary Election will have two candidates to choose from for Marion County Circuit Clerk District I, Allison Higgason and Cheryl Damron.

The winner will be the presumed new circuit clerk following the November election, since there are no Democratic candidates.

The candidates were given surveys to be filled for publication in the Palmyra Spectator, and their answers follow:

Allison Higgason

I was born April 27, 1977 in Rushville, Ill, but around the age of seven years old, my parents, Stan and Carolyn (Moore) Click, my older brother Bart Click, and I moved to Marion County, Mo. 

We lived out in the country and had many lessons of all that country living had to teach: hard work, living off of the land, working with your own hands to help provide for your family, how to work together as a family unit. 

Life was not always easy but I am grateful for the parents the Lord gave me and that they taught me that no matter what task is set before you to make sure that you do it with all your might and to the best of your ability. 

I graduated from Calvary Christian Academy High School in 1995 and went to Fairhaven Baptist College in Chesterton, Ind. in 1996. I graduated in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and married my husband, Daniel Higgason, in June of 2000. 

My husband and I lived in the Peoria, Ill. area for about 12 years, where I was very active in my church, working with the youth in our community, teaching in our Christian school, and was able to do some after school programs in the local public school system as well. 

In June of 2012, my Husband and I, with our two children, moved back here to Marion County.  

I home schooled my children in their younger grades while working a janitorial job in Hannibal, Mo. 

In 2014 I had the privilege to come along side with my sister-n-law and help start a local antique store in Palmyra, Mo. 

The year 2018 I was offered the opportunity to work in the circuit clerk’s office in Palmyra for three years until September of last year (2021). 

I loved this job, and it was definitely a hard decision to leave the circuit clerk’s office last year. But I am so thankful for this chance to be able to be a part of the election process and return to this job where I can serve and be a part of my community!

Why am I seeking election to this office?

When I began working in the circuit clerk’s office it was amazing to me to work and be a part of the heart of the court system. 

I was able to see the inner workings and all the hard work that goes in to helping the judicial system run on a local level, and I knew even early on that I wanted to learn all that I could to be a part of this amazing process. 

To have the opportunity to work with the judges, local police officers, court personnel, and my community I would count it an honor and a  privilege.

Why do I believe that I would be well suited for the position and what are my qualifications?

I believe that I would be well suited for the position because I am a hard worker. 

The circuit clerk position is a tremendous responsibility, intricate, and not to be taken lightly. I have been raised all my life to work hard at whatever task is put before me. 

Although I have three years of experience in this office I have learned to be teachable and willing to learn from those have gone before me and from those who are working with me as a team and a unit. 

I am not naïve to think that I will have all the answers but I have seen firsthand how people work together to get the job done correctly and efficiently.

What particular issues do you want to see addressed if elected?

I currently do not know of any issues needing addressed but if any arise I am a team player and will be willing to do my part to make any adjustments necessary.

Cheryl Damron

I was born and raised in a small town in Southern Illinois. 

I graduated from Carrier Mills High School with honors and attended college at Southeastern Illinois College with an emphasis in business. 

I moved to Hannibal, Mo. in 1995 where I started working at F&M Bank and Trust Co. I started as a teller and worked my way up to administrative assistant to the president and marketing coordinator.  

I have 25 years of banking experience; 18 of those years at F & M Bank and Trust Co. in Hannibal.

My husband, David, and I have been married 25 years. We have three sons including David Jr. (Lexi), Jared (girlfriend Chloe) and Tyler (Jessalyn). We also have two granddaughters, Clara and Henley.

Why seeking election to this office? 

I am seeking election for circuit clerk, because I am qualified for the position. 

I currently work for the circuit clerk in Hannibal District II and have worked there for eight years. 

I am currently a supervisor and have held this position for three and a half years. As supervisor I have assisted in training six deputy clerks in the past two years. 

The circuit clerk’s office is the core of the court system and requires a circuit clerk with knowledge to keep the court system running smoothly.

Why do you believe you are well suited for the position? What do you consider your qualifications?

I am well suited for the circuit clerk’s position since I am currently employed at the circuit clerks office in Hannibal, Mo and have been employed there for eight years. 

I have worked with countless judges throughout northeast Missouri over the last eight years, and I know how to operate a successful circuit clerk’s office. 

I have extensive knowledge with civil, criminal and traffic case management as well as extensive knowledge in probate case management. 

What particular issues do you want to address if elected?

I want to make sure that my staff is well trained and continue to run a successful circuit clerk’s office through a smooth transition from one knowledgeable clerk to another.