“I worked with Jean Marie when she was a Buncombe County Public Defender and knew her to be a strong, smart, and compassionate advocate in the courtroom. Additionally, she was on the forefront of using technology and digital file management for her own cases, when most of the other lawyers relied exclusively on paper files.

Now, as the current Buncombe County Clerk of Court, I’ve seen her fulfill her duties to the public and lead her team of more than 60 staff members with that same balance of brains, grit and grace.  I believe Jean Marie is the best person to ensure access for all who seek justice in our courthouse, and transition us to an ECourts electronic filing system, which the state has been implementing county by county.“

– Margaret Teich, Criminal Defense Attorney  

“Buncombe County citizens are lucky to have her.  Having worked with Jean Marie for a number of years, I can attest to her expertise in technology.  This expertise makes her the best-suited for Clerk of Court as she will take Buncombe County through North Carolina’s statewide transition to electronic courts and e-filings.  Retain Jean Marie Christy as our Clerk of Court!”

– Kerry Glasoe-Grant, Assistant Public Defender

“For the administration of justice, we want a clerk who is smart, kind, and empathic. Jean Marie Christy possesses these essential qualities, in spades.

We need someone who can learn the systems and their implementation, ensuring the flow of justice is not hampered. As the clerk, there is no specializing: the Clerk must be proficient in every aspect of operations in the courthouse.

Furthermore, access to the courts is one of the most important aspects of justice. For people who are not represented, or are from historically marginalized communities, entering the courthouse can be an overwhelming experience; their lack of knowledge should not be a hindrance to them accessing the services they need.

Having a compassionate and kind public facing Clerk makes them feel welcomed and valued: like they matter. Jean Marie Christy makes people feel seen and heard. Jean Marie Christy lets you know that YOU MATTER.“

– Kevin Rumley, Veteran, Purple Heart, Veteran’s Treatment Court Program Director

“Jean Marie Christy is dedicated to Service, Fairness and Justice.  She is uniquely prepared to transition the Clerk’s office into the newest technologies.”

– LeAnn Melton, Former Chief Public Defender for Buncombe County

“Jean Marie Christy has shown her compassion for helping others, her keen wisdom, and her tenacious dedication to public service throughout her career. She brings a freshness to public service that will allow her to continue to uniquely serve the community as the Clerk of Court.“

– Kay Holtzinger, LCSW