Get to know Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court Republican Candidate Bill Baggs
With nearly four decades as a magistrate and more than a decade as clerk, Baggs emphasizes experience, efficiency and impartiality.
Incumbent Bill Baggs is one of three Republicans running in the primary for Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court. Here are his answers to questions from The Cabarrus Compass.
1. Please tell us about your background, professional experience, and connection to Cabarrus County. How long have you lived or worked in the county?
My name is Bill Baggs and I have spent my entire adult life living and working and raising my family in Cabarrus County. I worked as a Magistrate for 38 years prior to being elected to serve as the Cabarrus County Clerk of Court in 2010. I would appreciate your vote in the March 3rd Primary to continue serving as your Elected Clerk in Cabarrus County.
2. What motivated you to run for Clerk of Superior Court, and what do you see as the office’s most important responsibilities?
The answer is simple — to serve the citizens of Cabarrus County. I have dedicated my entire career to public service. Beyond the courtroom, my office is responsible for the accurate and efficient management of financial and bookkeeping records.
The Clerk’s Office also plays a vital role in welcoming and supporting jurors, helping them navigate their civic duty with clear communication and respect.
These responsibilities — combined with maintaining court records, overseeing Estates and Special Proceedings, and managing daily operations —require efficiency, organization, and a strong commitment to public service, all of which motivate me to continue serving in this role.
3. The Clerk of Superior Court role is both administrative and judicial. What skills or experiences best prepare you to manage court operations while also carrying out the office’s legal and quasi-judicial duties?
The Clerk’s role requires strong leadership, sound legal judgment, and exceptional organizational skills. With my many years of experience managing a large office, and supervising staff who preside over quasi-judicial hearings, I understand the importance of making sure the law is applied impartially while also ensuring court operations run smoothly and efficiently.
4. Court offices often face challenges with staffing, workload, and technology. What improvements or efficiencies would you prioritize to ensure the Clerk’s Office operates effectively?
Staffing, workload, and technology are ongoing challenges across the State. I have prioritized cross-training staff to ensure continuity and improving internal workflows to reduce delays.
One major accomplishment has been leading the implementation of eCourts, a paperless filing system that allows real-time access to court documents for both the public and legal professionals. I have also implemented Jury Funds in the Clerk’s Office which improves how jurors are paid — making the process faster, more accurate, and more efficient.
5. Access to the court system is often confusing or intimidating for residents. What steps would you take to ensure the Clerk’s Office is accessible, efficient, and responsive to the public?
I have had an open door policy in the Clerk’s office since I was elected in 2010. I strive to let the public know that I am available all hours, weekends included, and confidently provide anyone with my cell number — 980-521-3087.
6. Ethics, impartiality, and public trust are critical for this position. How would you ensure decisions made by the Clerk’s Office remain fair, transparent, and free from political influence?
Maintaining public trust is essential, and I take that responsibility seriously in every decision made. The Clerk of Superior Court must remain completely impartial. I ensure decisions are based solely on the law and facts — never politics or personal opinion.
7. The Clerk’s Office interacts with judges, attorneys, law enforcement, and various state and county agencies. How would you approach collaboration with these stakeholders to ensure smooth court operations and positive outcomes for the public?
The Cabarrus County Clerk’s Office takes pride in collaborating with the Judge’s Office, the DA’s office, and other court partners to make court operations run as efficiently as possible. By maintaining professional relationships and clear lines of communication, we ensure court proceedings run smoothly and the public receives timely, and accurate service.
8. For the incumbent: What accomplishments or improvements during your time as Clerk of Superior Court are you most proud of, and what unfinished work would you prioritize if re-elected?
During my time as Clerk, I am most proud of leading an office known for excellent customer service, strong audit results, and successful modernization efforts like eCourts. On numerous accounts, citizens, attorneys, and other court partners have told me that our Clerk’s office is one of the best in the State.
Looking ahead, my priority is continuing to improve technology now that all 100 counties are live on eCourts, expanding efficiencies, supporting staff development, and ensuring our office continues to meet the growing needs of Cabarrus County.