A desire to spend more time with grandchildren has persuaded longtime Limestone County Circuit Court Clerk Charles Page not to seek re-election in November. He will retire when his fourth term ends Jan. 14, 2013.

“After much thought, prayerful consideration and family support, I have decided that I will not be a candidate for a fifth term in office, “ Page, a Democrat, told The News Courier Friday. “I am very grateful and humbled by the citizens of Limestone County for allowing me to serve for the past 23 years.” 

Page is the longest-serving elected judicial official in the Limestone County Courthouse, being first elected in 1988.  As Circuit Court clerk, he serves as the business manager for the trial courts, handling millions of dollars annually. He is the custodian of records and is the chief magistrate, absentee election manager and passport agent. His duties also include jury orientation, management, excuses and payment for service.

Page said he greatly appreciates the support of his family, loyal supporters, judges, judicial assistants, district attorney, other elected officials, members of the local bar association, all law- enforcement agencies and, especially, his loyal staff. He credits the perfect audits his office has maintained for the past 23 years to a very honest and hard-working staff.

“I intend to spend more time with my family and doing much-needed work on the family farm,” Page said. “I would like to travel some and spend more time with my granddaughter before she begins school.  I also plan to continue my volunteer work and do more of what I want to do.”

Page has served as president of the Alabama Circuit Court Clerk’s Association from 2001-2002 and also served on the executive committee since 1996 as well as conference chairman since 1995.  He has completed more than 600 hours of continuing judicial education through the Alabama Judicial College.  He has also received numerous awards for his service with the Alabama Clerk’s Association.

Prior to Page’s election in 1988, he was chief deputy with the Limestone County Sheriff’s Department, senior patrol officer with the Metro Nashville Police Department and a dairy farmer.

Charles is the son of the late Charles Page Sr. and the late Martha Hancock Page of Tanner.  Page has been married to Kathy Montgomery Page for 37 years. Kathy is a fourth-grade teacher at Tanner. He is the father of two daughters, Cara Page Hammons and her husband Jamie, and Emily Haney Sandlin and her husband Tyler.  He has one granddaughter, 4-year-old Anna Page Hammons, and one sister, Caroline J. Page. Charles is also the father-in-law of the late Will Haney.

The Circuit Court clerk, who serves a six-year term, is on call 24 hours a day for arrest warrants as well as every fifth week for jail hearings to set bonds and release restrictions for individuals who have been arrested. The clerk also serves as a member of the appointing board for poll workers and serves as absentee election manager. The clerk must have the ability and knowledge to work and answer questions in all court divisions and remain constantly aware of changes in the laws.

“I have tried my best to be available to every person who needed my help for the past 23 years,” Page said. “The clerk must be willing and able to assist every citizen with their access to have their day in court. Again, I want to thank the Lord, my family and every citizen of Limestone County for allowing me these wonderful years of service. I can honestly say I hope and pray that I have made a difference to the people who sought my help over these past 23 years.”