Charlie Susano hosts campaign appreciation event
By Ken Lay
Charlie Susano may be running unopposed as he prepares for a third term as Knox County Circuit Court Clerk, but that doesn’t mean that he’s becoming complacent.
He could be sitting back idly and waiting patiently to be sworn in after the primary in May and the general election, but he’s just not going to do that.
He took an opportunity to thank his office staff, his wife and his supporters as the afternoon transitioned into evening at a gathering at Calhoun’s On The River Thursday.
“This is a campaign appreciation,” Susano said in his brief remarks to his supporters late last week. “I’m a very blessed person and I’m lucky to be where I am. You’re the reason why I’m here.
“It’s not about me. It’s the way that the office is run. We have a credo and that’s that the most important person is the one that’s standing in front of you. I have a great staff and we want to be effective, efficient and friendly to the people in Knox County and beyond. I have a very dedicated staff, and I couldn’t do what I do if it weren’t for them.”
In his duties, Susano serves as circuit court, sessions court and juvenile court clerk, and his job is to maintain the paperwork and filing in those areas for the Knox County court system.
He chose to greet and thank his supporters as he’s not taking anything for granted, even though his election is all but a forgone conclusion.
“These are important whether you’re facing five opponents or whether you’re running unopposed,” Susano said. “People need to know that you mean what you say and you say what you mean.”
Susano hails from a family of public servants. His father, the late Charles D. Susano Jr., served as a judge in Knox County.
“I come from a family of public servants,” Charlie said Thursday. “It’s really meaningful work.”
The theme for the night was gratitude, and while Susano made sure to thank those in attendance as well as some people who couldn’t attend, his biggest thank you went to his wife, Robin.
“My family has been very supportive,” he said. “I want to thank my wife. She’s my campaign manager, and she’s my best friend, and she’s my ‘get your butt in gear’ person.”
Several candidates and county officials were in attendance, along with U.S. Representative Tim Burchett.
The primary election will be held on May 5, and the general election will be contested in August.
