AAC Board Profiles: Debbie Wise and Rhonda Wharton

AAC Board Profiles

Debbie Wise

Office: Randolph County Circuit Clerk since January 1991. I served as deputy county clerk from Sept. 1, 1982-1991.

County I was born in: Fort Ord, Florida I got started in county government because: I The accomplishment of which I am most proud: My family,

of course. Being a part of county government. The honor of being the AAC Legislative Chair and board member. Serving as a past president of the Arkansas Circuit Clerks Association. Both of my parents were veterans. My father was a Vietnam vet. I am honored and proud to serve my county and state.

applied for a part-time position in the clerk’s office. I was a single mom with a job as a waitress. I worked nights and weekends and I wanted more time to spend with my daughter. The hardest thing I have ever done is:

Many things in my personal life. To watch how drug problems have destroyed families. I see a lot of this through my job as circuit clerk.

What I like most about my county / state

is: The people and their Southern ways.

Natural beauty. I live in Pocahontas. I love the small-town atmosphere. My favorite meal: I love everything! Not a picky eater. When I’m not working I’m: I am always working somewhere, love to spend time with grandkids and family. I enjoy cooking, fishing, reading and movies.

At the top of my “bucket list” is to: Survive Debbie Wise, Randolph Co. until I can retire. Then sit on a beach and watch the waves and sunset. You might be surprised to learn that: I have spent over half of my life at the courthouse. My pet peeve is: People who think they are better than everyone else. Motto or favorite quote: “What goes around, comes around.”

Rhonda Wharton

they have done.

Office: Faulkner County Circuit Clerk County I was born in: Abilene, Taylor

County, Texas I got started in county government

because: I was told by the then-tax assessor about an opening in the circuit clerk’s office and went and applied. I had never had any experience with county government, but I liked it so much, I have stayed for almost 25 years. What I like most about my county / The hardest thing I have ever done is: Running for office

for the first time was hard; I had an opponent who worked with me in the office. I am kind of a shy person, go ahead and laugh, I was at the time. It was hard for me to get out in front of groups and talk. I have gotten over that over the years but that was probably the hardest thing to do with work. In my personal life, the loss of my first husband was very hard and unexpected. At the top of my “bucket list” is to: Visit the

Mediterranean, Hawaii and Alaska.

state is: The people. They are the best. My favorite meal: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy. When I’m not working I’m: Spending time with Bill, going to garage sales, reading, playing with our dogs. The accomplishment of which I am most proud: My children.

I have two daughters who have grown up to be productive, responsible young ladies. I’m very proud of them and all

Rhonda Wharton, Faulkner Co. You might be surprised to learn that: I own and ride a Victoria’s Secret Vespa scooter and love riding motorcycles. My pet peeve is: People who wait until the last minute to merge when they’ve been seeing lane closures signs for miles. Motto or favorite quote: “When you forgive, you in no way change the past — but you sure change the future.” It’s from a book by Brad Meltzer.