Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, April 18, 1995                   TAG: 9504210043
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Medium

COURT CLERK WON'T RUN

"I've got a lot of mixed emotions about leaving," said Harman, 67, who has held the job since 1984. Harman first was appointed acting clerk after Giles Goodykoontz quit because of poor health.

Harman said Goodykoontz, who was a good friend, encouraged him to run for the office, which now pays just over $60,000 a year. Subsequently, the veteran real estate broker was elected from among five candidates to fill the remainder of Goodykoontz's term, then elected to a full eight-year term in 1987.

That term - the longest elective tenure in Virginia - expires Dec. 31. Harman said he thinks the courts wanted an eight-year term to ensure continuity in the office.

Harman said he and his wife, Betty, have talked about his retiring, and he decided the time was right while his health is still sound, something he said he could not guarantee through another full stint as clerk.

"I feel kinda funny. I'm the only one announcing I'm not running," Harman said Monday at his office as he reminisced about his 11 years on the job. The clerk's duties primarily involve managing and archiving court system paperwork and other legal records, including real estate transactions.

"I've always considered this a very good position, an excellent position," said Harman, named Joseph David but known as "J.D." since childhood. Only his wife calls him "Joe," he said.

Real estate was Harman's livelihood for 25 years. Before he became Circuit Court clerk, he headed the realty department at Bondurant Realty.

A native of Montgomery County, Harman has lived in Radford for most of his life and graduated from Radford High School. He and his wife have two daughters and four grandchildren.

Harman, elected as a Democrat, said his announcement could catch some by surprise. "I think everyone thought I'd run again," he said.

But he predicted no shortage of candidates for his post from both parties. A leading contender could be his chief deputy clerk, Zelda S. Vaughn, who came in second to Harman when he won the office in 1984. Vaughn has worked in the clerk's office for 23 years.

Harman said he expects Vaughn to announce her candidacy and added that he would support her if she decides to run.