Susan Emond wins Clerk of Courts race in Franklin County

Emond said her first concern will be an impending move from the current courthouse to temporary quarters.

GREENFIELD — Susan Emond, first assistant to the Clerk of Courts in Franklin County, has won the race to replace her boss, Eve Blakeslee, who decided not to run again after holding the office for six years.

Susan Emond has been elected Clerk of Courts in Franklin County

With all 40 precincts reporting in the Democratic primary, Emond overcame her rival, attorney David Roulston, by a vote of 6,144 to 2,013. Because there is no Republican candidate, Emond is expected to win election in November.

The clerk of courts keeps court records, oversees the scheduling of court cases, administers oaths and declares verdicts for Superior Court.

Emond’s campaign message was that, as first assistant to the clerk of courts, she had first-hand familiarity with the position.

“The only difference between the clerk of courts and the first assistant is that the clerk of courts has authority to sign and approve our contracts. Other than that,” said Emond, “I have all the same authority.”

Blakeslee backed Emond in the race.

“I’m thrilled,” said Emond of the outcome, as she celebrated with pizza and cake at the French King Entertainment Center in Erving. “I think the people of Franklin County agree that the person who is doing the job should be given the job.

“I have the utmost respect for Attorney Roulston. It was a friendly race, and neither of us would have allowed it to be any other way,” she said.

Emond said her first concern will be an impending move from the current courthouse to temporary quarters. “I have to make sure it’s done properly and securely,” she said. “It could be as early as next spring or next summer.”

A new courthouse is scheduled to be completed in two to five years.

Emond has worked in the Franklin County courts for 19 years. She answered a newspaper ad and was hired by Clerk Magistrate John Johnson. She was then promoted twice by another Clerk Magistrate, Margaret Palmer.

Emond lives in Bernardston with her husband, Eric, and sons Brendan and Troy. She graduated from Greenfield High School and has a degree in accounting from Greenfield Community College.

She said the accounting degree is useful for overseeing the budget and payroll at Superior Court.