MURPHYSBORO – Christian Hale announced his candidacy for Jackson County Circuit Clerk on the steps of the Jackson County Courthouse Wednesday.

The 51-year-old Hale is a dedicated public servant with a proven track record of excellence and commitment to the community.

“My 13 years of experience as a deputy circuit clerk brings a deep understanding of the responsibilities of the role,” Hale said. “I believe this makes me the ideal candidate for Jackson County Circuit Clerk in 2024.”

Prior to entering public service, Hale spent more than a decade operating in the press including time at the Murphysboro American newspaper as county editor, gaining valuable insights into the power of effective communication and the issues that matter most to the county community. This background equipped him with the skills to bridge the gap between the legal system and the public it serves.

Hale was born in Murphysboro, Ill., in October 1971. His father, Marvin, a retired union coal miner at Old Ben #24 in Benton, Ill., and his late mother, Debbie Jo, the director of cardio-pulmonary at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital, taught him the value of hard work, faith, and dedication. His late grandfather, Raymond John Amschler, a longtime farmer from Jacob, Ill., and resident of Murphysboro, Ill., instilled in him the strong work-ethic he carries with him today.

“I’m inspired by stories of my great great uncle Clarence Hart, former Mayor of Murphysboro from 1943-1953, that my grandmother Beverly Amschler told me as a child,” Hale told those attending his announcement. “With those seeds planted as a wee child, I was further mentored during my youth by the late Mickey Korando, former Jackson County Board member, and the late Shirley Dillinger-Booker, former Jackson County Treasurer. Both women were strong leaders and proud Democrats who helped to set me on this course.”

With extensive experience in both civil and criminal clerk stewardship responsibilities, Hale is uniquely positioned to lead the Jackson County Circuit Clerk’s Office efficiently and effectively. His years of service have allowed him to develop a keen understanding of the needs and challenges faced by the office, as well as the innovative solutions required to address them.

Hale is endorsed by his predecessor, Cindy R. Svanda, the current Circuit Clerk, who recognizes his dedication and competence in the field. Additionally, with the support of the Jackson County Democrat Party, he is the candidate who is best equipped to serve the interests of the community.

Hale is committed to continuing the modern and streamlined office to ensure efficient transparent service for all residents. He envisions a future with the office continuing to leverage technology to improve accessibility and maintain enhanced communication with the public. He will continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

“I am not just a candidate,” Hale said. “I will be a trusted leader with deep generational roots to our community. I have a strong foundation in public service. I have a vision for the future of the Circuit Clerk’s office. Together, we can continue building a brighter future for our community.”