THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 18, 1995 TAG: 9506170093
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ALLISON WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
In Suffolk's only local contest, Republican Gene Strickland is challenging an incumbent with 28 years' experience as clerk of Circuit Court.
Strickland, 32, said his candidacy stems from his desire to make Suffolk safer.
Henry C. Murden has held the post since he was appointed in 1967 to fill an unexpired term. He was elected the following November.
In 1974, when Suffolk and Nansemond merged, Murden was elected chief deputy clerk of court. He held that seat until 1981, when he was elected clerk of court.
Murden believes his experience is an asset for the city. ``I like what I'm doing,'' he said, ``and, with my experience, I feel like I can contribute to Suffolk's judicial system.''
Murden is active in several organizations, including the Suffolk Tennis Association, the Suffolk Art League and the Virginia Court Clerks' Association.
He and his wife, Catherine, attend Main Street United Methodist Church. They have one son, Henry C. Murden Jr., of Onancock.
Strickland said, ``I believe we need to get tougher on crime. We are on the threshold of a new era in Suffolk . . ., and we need someone who is able to change and grow with the judicial system.''
The system needs to be tougher on criminals, said the local builder and developer. He supports abolishing parole and making the court system more efficient and cost-effective for taxpayers, he said.
After graduating from Old Dominion University with degrees in history and political science, Strickland followed his father into the construction business. He owns G.T. Strickland Construction Corp. and Vinyl Windows of Tidewater Inc.
Strickland and his wife, Renee, have two daughters, Jenna, 7, and Rachel, 2. The family attends First Baptist Church.
Murden and Strickland are Suffolk natives. ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Gene Strickland
Henry C. Murden
by CNB