Businessman to run for circuit clerk seat

Springfield businessman Tom Barr today announced his campaign for the Greene County circuit clerk seat.

The position is on the primary ballot Aug. 5, 2014, and the general election is scheduled Nov. 4, 2014, said Miles Ross of Veritas Public Relations, who has been contracted to handle public relations for Barr's Republican bid.

Barr started Ozarks Mailing Service in 1982 before selling it in January 2010 to Des Moines, Iowa-based Mail Communications Group.

“The skill sets that I have learned during the last three decades as a business owner have prepared me for the duties of this office," Barr said in a news release. "Providing great customer service, managing people and ensuring streamlined operations are all things I have done in the private sector and are all things I will bring to this office."

Earlier this year, Barr was beaten in a bid to fill a vacant Springfield City Council seat. Mike Carroll, controller at Andy’s Frozen Custard, was chosen for the position in February, also beating out Dean Young, co-founder of Heim Young & Associates Inc.

Next year, Barr will seek the Greene County circuit clerk job currently held by Steve Helms, who announced he would run for the Greene County presiding commissioner post.