To the editor:

While the office has a low public profile, the Circuit Court of Alexandria affects the lives of our residents everyday. It maintains and processes land record documents, issues marriage licenses, provides clerical assistance to judges in all civil and criminal matters and handles all probate and fiduciary matters, just to name of few of its many responsibilities.

The gentleman who heads up this enormous operation is Ed Semonian, and he is running for re-election to the Office of Clerk of the Circuit Court.

An Alexandrian since early childhood, Mr. Semonian has served as an elected official in Alexandria for a substantial part of his adult life. In his tenure as clerk, he has distinguished himself by providing an exemplary level of service to the public and other user agencies. He runs one of the most efficient offices in the state, utilizing a case management system that, when implemented, was technologically superior to other systems used by most Virginia state courts. It became, in fact, the model for other court systems in Virginia. He is constantly searching for ways to update systems and streamline operations in the clerk’s office.

Mr. Semonian’s leadership, professionalism and work ethic have earned him the respect, admiration and loyalty of judges, attorneys, dedicated employees and residents. He is known throughout the commonwealth as an innovative and thoughtful manager, and the city places a great deal of trust in him. He is a dedicated public servant with the experience to best run the clerk’s office and  deserving of your vote November 8.

– Becky Arnold, Alexandria Democratic Committee