Details Released on Filling Solicitor’s Seat in Stephens Co.

More details are coming out about the process for filling the now vacant Stephens County State Court Solicitor post.

The county’s State Court Solicitor, Dan T. Pressley, Sr. passed away earlier this week.

Governor’s Office Communications Director Brian Robinson said that the governor will fill the position as soon as possible with an appointment.

“When these vacancies occur, the Governor’s Office will advertise the opening for the job,” said Robinson.  “We will take resumes and applications.  The Executive Council’s Office and the Governor will interview candidates for the job, narrow it down, and the governor will make a choice from that group.  That process does take time.  It is not a long process.  We obviously know there is a need in all of the communities where this happens so we move as quickly as we can.”

However, Robinson said there is no timeline for making that appointment.

Stephens County Registrar Theresa Kelley said that whoever is appointed will serve until a special election is held to fill the seat.

“Once the Governor appoints, then there will be a special election on the General Election ballot, which is in November,” said Kelley.

Kelley said that the winner of that special election will serve a full four-year term, not the remainder of Pressley’s unexpired term.

Until an appointment is made by the Governor’s Office, Stephens County Clerk of Court Tim Quick said that someone will fill in to handle the courtroom responsibilities.

As a result, Quick said that Stephens County State Court will proceed as normal this month.