Circuit Court Clerk Wants Four More Years

Editor's note: See our profile of Democratic candidate Jason Reddish.

Margaret Rappaport has been Clerk of the Circuit Court for 20 years. This year she faces Democrat Jason Reddish.

Rappaport is responsible for record keeping, taking in fees from bonds and those associated with criminal trials; scheduling and filing. But she doesn't skip a beat when asked what the best part of the job is.

"I have a lot of favorites," she said, "but I just love to do weddings." The last time she counted -- about two years ago – she had performed about 700. And that's just counting the ones in the courthouse.

Rappaport, a Republican, is again running for the Clerk's position, although it's not all marital bliss.  With the problems in the housing market and the economy,  the most difficult part of the job has been foreclosures, she said, and domestic disputes have always been rough.

"Especially if a child comes in," Rappaport said from behind her desk, "and the child is crying. That bothers me, but we do try to help. We really do."

To help, she goes beyond the traditional lollipop or coloring book. Rappaport will introduce an upset child to Shayna Madel, a Teacup Yorkshire whose name is Hebrew for "pretty girl."   The dog is Rappaport's constant companion in the office, rarely making a sound, but offering comfort during times of stress.

Rappaport was born and raised in Annapolis. She came to the Clerks office after having a full teaching career and spending three years as a judge in the Orphans' Court.

She then decided she wanted to move to the Circuit Court and in 1990 was able to defeat then-longtime Clerk C. Merritt Pumphrey. She still has newspaper clippings in her office dating back to that first race; papers at the time called her "tough competition."

Chief Deputy Clerk Wayne A. Robey said one of Rappaport's greatest strengths is that she is a strong leader. "Her approach to customers is friendly and helpful which sets a good example for her staff," he said.

Her 20-year experience is also a strong point, Robey said. "She has developed relationships which prove effective in the smooth operation of the office," he said. That has led to a good working relationship with members of the court bench and "any problems that come up, both sides feel free to approach one another and work towards solutions."

"I think experience in this type of job is paramount," Robey added. 

After 20 years in the position, Rappaport said she sees her staff of about 40 as "family."

"I love it," she said. "I love the people, I love my office. It's just a good place to be."

Did she have any doubts about running again?

"Oh, there was no question that I'm running again," she said. "One more time. No, make that 'Four More Years!'"