Debbie Long seeks reelection as District Clerk

Debbie Long has been employed by Lamb County since 2007. She began her career in the Lamb County Clerk’s Office where she served as the public records clerk, civil clerk, probate/guardianship clerk, elections clerk, and in 2013, Debbie was promoted to Chief Deputy County Clerk. In 2014, she was appointed to the position of Lamb County Clerk.

In preparation to run for District Clerk, Ms. Long worked in a floating position for the treasurer’s office, county judge’s office, assisted the Justice of the Peace 3, and the Lamb County Agrilife Extension Office. This gave her valuable insight into the working relationship among the county offices. In 2019, Debbie Long was elected Lamb County District Clerk.

Ms. Long stated, “This is not a backup plan for me, but a career that I love! This position is not an 8:30 to 5:00 position. At times it requires extended hours and weekends which I never mind.

Over the past three years, I have been able to keep every promise I made during my 2018 run with the able assistance of my District Deputy Clerks; Denise Albus, Ashley Martinez, and Kim Lee. I made myself a promise when I first stepped into this position, and I will make the citizens of Lamb County the same promise. If ever the day comes that I no longer have the passion to perform the duties of the district clerk that I have now, I will graciously step aside, but that day hasn’t come, and I don’t see it coming for quite a long time!”

The District Clerk’s Office is now compliant with Criminal Justice Information Systems database which aides law enforcement on local, state and federal levels with the information necessary for detaining criminals, performing background checks, and tracking criminal activity. It also keeps Lamb County eligible to receive various state and federal grants.

Debbie has worked to ensure that restitution collected by the District Clerk’s Office is paid to the victim first, then to the state and local court cost.

A recent passport audit performed by the Department of State determined the number of passport applications increased 191% over previous years.

Debbie was also charged with the task of researching and collecting bids for a new Texas based court software system which the county implemented in October of 2021.

Debbie researched and disbursed to citizens, local businesses, crime victims, and tax entities, approximately $325,000 in undisbursed monies collected prior to her term. Distributions included but were not limited to restitution, child support bonds, cash bonds, unreceipted court costs, and tax sale proceeds.

The District Clerks office reached out to fellow county employees for donations to purchase stuffed animals and blankets to be placed in law enforcement vehicles county wide. Not only was this goal achieved, but items can also be replenished as needed.

With the help of her staff, she was able to transition a storage area into a private conference room for attorneys and their clients who were previously meeting at tables in the hallway.

The goal has ever been to provide faster, more efficient service to the citizens of Lamb County. When entering the District Clerk’s Office, you are now immediately greeted by staff. Extended hours and services have been made available as court schedules and workload allow.

Using available tools and rapidly changing technology such as Texas E-file which allows the public, attorneys, and judges instant access to vital pleadings and accelerates the overall litigation process. Court filings and orders are digitally forwarded between offices allowing involved parties to track the progress of each filing and eliminates damage and loss of documents. The office is also working to digitize older court records to protect the integrity of the original court filings. Debbie has overseen two legislative fee changes and stated, “we have survived the new phone system and finally worked out the kinks with the jury line. We have made so much progress, this is not the same office I walked into 3 years ago.”

Debbie’s father worked in law enforcement most of her young life and passed in 2006. She has the full support of her family; Louise Bankston, her mother, her children Saunya Long of Littlefield, Benjamin Long of Littlefield, and Brandon Long of Cleburne, Texas. She has five grandchildren.

Debbie is passionate about continuing to serve the citizens of Lamb County and asks for your vote in the upcoming Republican Primary!