Cathelene “Tina” Robinson accepted the appointment as clerk of magistrate court from Chief Magistrate Judge Cassandra Kirk. In Ms. Robinson’s own words, she said in a written letter addressed to Judge Kirk, “…effective January 1st, 2016 I accept the appointment as the Clerk of Magistrate Court.”
In Robinson’s bio, she attributes her success to a “committed partnership with Chief Magistrate Cassandra Kirk and dedication to the citizens of Fulton County.” Kirk maintains that this statement on the Clerk’s website is contrary to reality.
Kirk said the lawsuit is about Fulton County residents and the court fighting to ensure court users have an optimal experience. “Currently, the limited resources of the court, coupled with a non-compliant appointed Clerk, present significant obstacles,” Kirk told the Daily Report.
“Effectively serving the community is our top priority, however, under the current clerk, these citizen-based efficiencies are lacking or nonexistent,” she said.
Reviews from citizens echo the same sentiments, with the clerk’s office earning an abysmal 1 ½ stars on Google.
Most reviewers complained about rude and disrespectful staff answering the phones. However, it appears those whose calls were actually answered could be the lucky ones as calls going unanswered is a chief complaint. Here are just a few opinions voiced by frustrated and dissatisfied citizens:
“This court is absolutely terrible. The staff is extremely rude and they never bother to answer the phones.” — Courtney Ross
“No one ever answers the phone. The process to file anything is horrible.” — Arg Property Management Services LLC
“I am a business who frequently uses the Magistrate Court for eviction services. Calling the office is a dead end.” — Ashley M.
“I have tried on multiple occasions calling them, but no one picks up the phone.” — Suiwai M.
Kirk said efforts to improve efficiency and user accessibility are being severely hampered by the appointed clerk and create adverse effects for those seeking remedy through the court.
“The court works better for citizens as a whole, not in two parts,” Kirk said. “Fulton County deserves better.”
—j. harris
