Carrigg stepping down from overseeing Lexington County courts

Lexington County Clerk of Court Beth Carrigg won’t seek re-election but says that doesn’t mean she is leaving politics for good.

“It is time to seek new opportunities, tackle new challenges and set new goals” after 12 years in a post overseeing court operations, she said. “Now it is time to close one chapter and begin anew.”

She wouldn’t discuss future plans Tuesday except to say “it's time to work on some of the bigger issues taxpayers face daily, and I feel like I can answer that need.”

Carrigg’s blunt style sometimes put her at odds with other Republicans who dominate county politics.

During her tenure, she put technology to use in updating legal operations and improving collection of child support payments.

She also increased security in buildings where major criminal trials and related legal proceedings occur.

Besides adding security cameras, she banned visitors from taking in purses, backpacks, cell phones, baby carriers, strollers and bags of any type, with wallets subject to search.

The seat is up for election this year.

A Republican and former Carrigg aide, Emily Hinson of Lexington, announced her candidacy Tuesday, joining two other GOP candidates seeking the post, Lisa Comer of the Batesburg-Leesville area and Mollie Taylor of West Columbia.

This story was originally published February 23, 2016 at 11:40 AM with the headline "Carrigg stepping down from overseeing Lexington County courts."