Mitchell County Clerk of Court Shana W. Buchanan is facing challenger David Wheeler in the race for the Clerk of Court’s seat in the March Primary. Both are running on the Republican ticket.
Early voting for all positions opened last week and runs thru 3 p.m., Feb. 28. Polls are open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday thru Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Early voting will be held at the Spruce Pine Fire Department, 100 Fire Fighter Way, Spruce Pine, and the Board of Elections Office, 11 North Mitchell Ave. Room 108, Bakersville.
Primary Election Day is March 3, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. On March 3 voters must vote at their assigned precinct.
The Mitchell News-Journal asked Buchanan and Wheeler why they want to serve the citizens of Mitchell County as the Clerk of Court.
Shana W. Buchanan
What made you decide to run for this office?
I have served in the clerk’s office for 27 years. I was appointed as the clerk on Oct. 1, 2024, and I want to continue serving the citizens of Mitchell County. I truly enjoy my job and am eager to continue to learn the laws of North Carolina as they change. I love the people in this county and I care about them. Serving the citizens as their clerk is an honor.
Often voters are unfamiliar with what kind of tasks office holders will deal with if they are elected. What, in your opinion, are some challenges that a clerk of court might face that the general public does not understand?
People find themselves at the courthouse for several different reasons. I feel like it is frustrating for people when they are going through trying times in their lives to understand that the clerk’s office is prohibited from giving legal advice. The state of North Carolina prohibits anyone from practicing law without a license.
Clerks also preside as the judge over estate matters, guardianship matters, incompetency proceedings, adoptions and many other civil matters. It is surprising to many people that we are actually the judge over these matters just like any other judge in the state of North Carolina. Just like any other Judge we cannot discuss these matters outside the court to preserve the integrity of the case.
What are the most important qualities a clerk of court can have?
I feel like to be clerk you have to be polite, professional and respectful. I want citizens to know they matter when they come into the clerk’s office. I also feel like everyone deserves to be treated fairly by the clerk’s office. I also feel like you need to be a good listener; when people are going through a difficult time sometimes all they need is for someone to listen.
What is your personal and professional background, and how has it prepared you for government service?
I have worked in the clerk’s office since I was nineteen and served in every area of the office. During my years at the courthouse I have sat through numerous hearings and that has helped me move into my role as clerk. Sitting under judges all these years and watching as they hear cases has prepared me for the matters I have jurisdiction over.
In order to fulfill the role of being judge over these matters it is important to me to take all the classes and trainings that are offered to better serve the people of Mitchell County. I have taken classes throughout my years of service at the Administrative Office of the Courts and the School of Government.
These classes have given me a deeper understanding of court procedures and the General Statutes. I truly believe this job requires experience. My experience over the years has given me a deeper understanding of the court system and prepared me to be the clerk of court.
David Wheeler
What made you decide to run for this office?
I’m running because I’m tired of the inside game at the courthouse and the lack of real action by elected officials in this county. The lawyers seem to control the courthouse. Take the Hurricane Helene debris situation as one example — I personally submitted debris removal forms three separate times and never received a response. That’s not just frustrating — it’s mismanagement by someone.
Too many elected officials don’t return calls or emails and seem disconnected from the everyday problems we the people are facing. I believe elected office is about responsibility and accountability to the people, not excuses, and is a privilege that should be honored. As clerk of court, I don’t believe service to the people ends at 5 p.m. or stops at the courthouse doors. When residents need help, our leaders should never say, “That’s not my job.”
Often voters are unfamiliar with what kind of tasks office holders will deal with if they are elected. What, in your opinion, are some challenges that a clerk of court might face that the general public does not understand?
Mitchell County has one of the smallest court dockets in the state, which means the clerk’s office has the capacity to do more than it currently does. In many counties, clerks actively help residents navigate programs like property tax relief instead of leaving people to figure it out on their own. For example, many seniors qualify for homestead and circuit breaker property tax exemptions but never apply because the process is confusing or they didn’t know they could. As clerk, one of the first things I will do is establish a regular weekly time and place where seniors and others can come in and get help completing these applications or if they need help with other non-legal issues. Seniors should not have to pay just to stay in their own homes and lowering their property taxes legally should be a priority of all elected officials.
The challenge is not just managing cases for the lawyers — it’s recognizing opportunity. Clerks in other counties of similar size are doing far more for the public, and here in Mitchell County I’ll do a lot more when elected.
What are the most important qualities a clerk of court can have?
A clerk of court must be a problem solver and an active listener. Most people come to the courthouse during stressful or difficult moments, and they need clarity, patience, and respect. While the clerk cannot give legal advice, the office can still help people understand processes, identify options, and connect them to available services when issues arise whether they’ve done this in the past or not. The clerk’s job is ultimately about helping the people.
The clerk is in a unique position to share information about resources available in Mitchell County during difficult times and every day. There is no reason the clerk can’t work with other elected officials on larger community issues and solving problems. My office will be accessible, with open office hours and regular town halls. I will also oversee a voluntary faith-based mediation program for those who want it. This will fully respect constitutional boundaries between church and state, while offering mediation options that can help resolve disputes before they escalate.
What is your personal and professional background, and how has it prepared you for government service?
One of my best preparations for government service is that I have never held political office. I don’t carry baggage, owe favors, or answer to party bosses or insiders. I was not appointed to this position by party bosses in Raleigh. I chose to run openly and publicly and to make my case directly to the people of Mitchell County. I’m on social media and respond to questions or ideas.
People who know me know where I stand. I speak plainly and honestly, and I’m open to new ideas and respectful criticism. What I won’t tolerate is politics for its own sake — stirring the pot, personal attacks, or dragging people through the mud. That has no place in the clerk’s office or in my campaign.
My approach to service is grounded in faith. I believe in serving God by serving others. Jesus Christ is my Savior, and that belief guides how I treat people — with honesty, humility, and compassion. At the same time, I fully respect and will abide by the law and the constitutional separation of church and state. Government should never impose faith, but it must always protect the right of individuals to pray and practice their faith freely.
I have 40 years of business experience creating jobs and have worked on all seven continents. I don’t come from money and everything I’ve done professionally is through my hard work and new ideas. That experience gave me practical problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work with people from all backgrounds. I’ve managed complex projects, hired strong teams, and raised millions of dollars through charities and corporate sponsors. I intend to use those business and fundraising skills to help Mitchell County where appropriate.
I grew up in a rural community and understand that doing the right thing sometimes comes at a cost, but that’s what leadership requires. Finally, I believe public office should not be treated as a lifetime position or a retirement plan. I will serve no more than two terms as clerk of court and then step aside to give someone else the opportunity to serve this great County.