PICKENS — One more time, Pickens County voters are being asked to go to the polls today to decide a runoff election for the office of Clerk of the Court.

Pat Welborn and Ben Finley, both Pickens residents, were the top vote getters in a field of four candidates in the June 10 primary, but neither man carried 50 percent of the vote, requiring today’s runoff. Regular polling places will be open until 7 p.m.

Welborn garnered 4,884 votes or 36.7 percent of those cast, while Finley collected 3,579 votes, or 26.9 percent.

Either man would be a newcomer to the job, replacing retiring LeJette Gatlin. She has chosen to endorse Welborn.

Today’s winner faces no Democratic opposition in November.

Both men have emphasized their desire to maintain an open and responsive office, to improve security measures in the courthouse and to increase technology. Finley cites his long career in law enforcement as an asset, while Welborn claims he has gained experience as both a Pickens City Council member and as a private businessman.

“With state support, we need a more cost and time effective method of collecting and processing child support payments,” Finley said when asked to address issues in the election. “I will continue to work with the Sheriff’s Office to insure that our courthouse remains a safe place for employees and anyone who enters the courthouse doors. I intend to be proactive with safety measures rather than reactive to problems. Another specific need is securing a jury assembly room so that potential jurors will not be in proximity with those criminally charged.”

“Technology offers many options for a more efficient records keeping and instant retrieval system,” Welborn said in his response. “We must implant a scanning system in the Clerk of Court Office … A jury assembly room is needed and must be established. Also, security issues must be addressed. The safety of our employees and the citizens of our county must be a priority, not only in this office and the courtrooms, but the entire Pickens County Courthouse.”

Welborn has stressed that, if elected, he would be personally available in the office and would seek to keep the office Web site updated with the most recent information available. He also said the office relationship with the Sheriff’s Department is a priority.

“Better communication and working relationships with our Sheriff’s Office will be a priority,” he vowed.

Finley has stressed the need for work in the child support area of the office.

“I plan to streamline our child support system,” the veteran law enforcement officer said. “ Our system now is over 20 years old. There are newer, more effective ways to ensure that our families are getting the financial help that they deserve

Following are brief biographies of the two candidates.

Harold (Pat) Welborn, Jr., 50

114 Garner Rd. (PO Box 784) Pickens

Marital Status/Children: Married to Patricia Welborn, 3 children, Kevin (25), Kaycee (24), & Kelley (13)

Education: Graduate of Pickens High School, Technical courses in various public service areas

Occupation: Employed by Shaw Industries for 18 years

Public Offices Held: Pickens City Councilman (5 years) Mayor Pro-Tem (2 years)

Affiliations: East Pickens Baptist Church-Real Champions Christian Outdoorsmen, Security Team, Habitat for Humanity, Bus Driver and Bus Maintenance, Community Volunteer fireman (16 years) Weapons of Mass Destruction, Forestry Strike Team, Member of Keowee Masonic Lodge #79

Ben Finley, 51

171 Ferguson Road, Pickens

Marital Status: Married to Sharon Holcombe Finley 27 years; 4 children, Lauren Ann (22), Tillman (18), Cullen (12) and Preston (8)

Education: Associates in Criminal Justice from Tri-County Technical College, Court house security training from the U.S. Marshall’s Office, Graduated from S.C. Criminal Justice Academy

Occupation: Retired from Pickens County Sheriff’s Office — 23 years

Affiliations: Meals on Wheels volunteer; Minister of Music and Deacon at Keowee Baptist Church, Six Mile.

After 15 years of service in the Pickens County Courthouse, I have witnessed over 4000 criminal, family and civil court cases

Results of today’s runoff election will be made available as soon as possible at www.upstatetoday.com