FRANKFORT, Ky., Aug. 17, 2007 -- Trina B. Huston will be sworn in as circuit court clerk for Bourbon County today at 4 p.m. Circuit Judge Robert Johnson, who serves Bourbon, Scott and Woodford counties, will conduct the swearing-in proceedings on the steps of the Bourbon County Courthouse on Main Street in Paris.

"I believe I have the strength of character and professionalism necessary to effectively lead the Office of Circuit Court Clerk," said Huston, 34, who has resided in Bourbon County for 15 years. "Public service is very important to me. I love this small town and I enjoy raising my two children here. I want to be an example to my children that it is important to make a difference and be a positive influence in our community."

Huston said she has had regular interaction with the offices of the county clerk and the circuit clerk while employed by two attorneys in Bourbon County. She previousy worked for Harry E. Budden Jr. and most recently worked for William J. Fooks before accepting the circuit clerk appointment.

Huston is a native of Berea, Ky., where she graduated from Berea Community High School and attended Berea College. Her husband, David Huston, is a lifelong resident of Bourbon County.

Huston will serve as the interim circuit clerk for Bourbon County until the general election on Nov. 6. The winner of that contest, which is between Huston and Beverly Smith, will serve as circuit clerk for the remainder of the six-year term, which began Jan. 1, 2007, and ends Dec. 31, 2012.

The Administrative Office of the Courts administered the circuit clerk exam to three individuals and all three passed the exam. Passing the exam determined who was eligible to file for a place on the November ballot to fill the unexpired term of former Bourbon County Circuit Clerk Sherry Rankin, who resigned in late July. Of the three individuals, two were Democrats and one was a Republican. The Bourbon County Democratic Executive Committee chose Beverly Smith as its candidate. The sole Republican, Trina Huston, was named by Judge Johnson to serve as the interm circuit clerk.

Circuit court clerks have offices in all 120 Kentucky counties and are responsible for managing the records of circuit and district courts. The Administrative Office of the Courts supports the activities of more than 3,500 Kentucky Court of Justice employees, including the elected offices of justices, judges and circuit court clerks.