Staff Reports
For nearly all his adult life, Davidson County Circuit Court
Chief Deputy Clerk Joseph P. Day has been preparing himself
for a promotion that he’s now requesting from Metro-Nashville
voters.
“It’s not something I just decided to do overnight,” Day said of
his campaign to succeed Circuit Court Clerk Richard Rooker
who’s retiring. Rooker endorses Day so he can “bring his vision,
leadership skills and years of experience to this position.”
A “Candid Conversation” with Day is set for 12-2 p.m.
Saturday, March 5, at Slim + Husky’s, 911 Buchanan St., where
he may talk about deescalating conflict at the clerk’s counter.
“I’ve been called bad words…
“It’s a matter of public service,” Day said. “When people come
to a government office, they’re not happy” about something as
frustrating as a traffic ticket, or as aggravating as a lawsuit.
While leaving, they may not be happy, but if someone listens
and helps, they may feel well-served. “You have to realize that
you’re working for them.”
From a college intern to chief deputy, Day has worked, or knows
about, every job in that office.
Day’s been “a rising star” in the clerk’s office, Rooker said.
“Many of the great things that have transpired in the clerk’s
office over the last few years can be traced back to his ideas and
vision for the office.”
Day, 43, of Goodlettsville, has looked for and helped develop
ways to better serve the public. Electronic filing of court papers
is an example. People can interact with the clerk’s office on-line,
saving them time, money and risk during the pandemic.
He’s running for the Democratic nomination in the May 3rd
primary. Without a Republican or independent running, the
Democrat wins in August. Early voting starts April 13.
“My 20 years of institutional knowledge, education and hands-
on experience have prepared me for this next chapter,” Day said.
“It has been a dream of mine to one day be elected to the office
where I started working as a summer employee.”
The clerk’s office maintains records for eight Circuit Courts and
11 General Sessions Courts. They include contract disputes,
civil torts, condemnations, worker’s compensation claims,
domestic matters, estate administration landlord-tenant disputes
and violations of Metro ordinances, including traffic and codes
violations.
Day is an Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. member who enjoys
volunteering, coaching and helping others. He’s a longtime
member of Richland Creek Church of Christ, where he regularly
teaches and ministers.
He and his wife, Tomesia, have two sons,
Jared and Jaden. They attend Metro Nashville Public Schools as
did their father. Born in Nashville and raised in Bordeaux, Day graduated with
honors from Whites Creek High School in 1997. He graduated
magna cum laude from Tennessee State University with a
bachelor’s degree in business administration. His master’s in
public service management is from Cumberland University. He
also holds a Certified Public Administrator certification from the
University of Tennessee Institute of Public Service.
In 2016, The Tennessee Tribune recognized Day as the first
person of color to become chief deputy of the Circuit Court
Clerk’s office. If elected, Day will, again, be a trailblazer.
Day’s supporters include Nick Bailey, Tom and Charlotte Cone,
Blair Durham, Aubrey Harwell, Jim Higgins, Ed Lanquist,
Bryan Lewis, Joyce McDonald, Gary Moore, Joann North,
Worrick Robinson, Eric Ruffin, George Rooker, Marietta
Shipley, Julius Sloss, Pam Smith, Vice Mayor Jim Shulman,
state Reps. Bill Beck, Vincent Dixie, Bob Freeman, Harold
Love, and Juvenile Court Clerk Lonnell Matthews who knows
what Day does and how he does it at the courthouse.
