Ralph Scalise: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Carol StreamWebsite: http://www.scaliseforclerk.comOffice sought: DuPage Clerk of the Circuit CourtAge: 60Family: Not marriedOccupation: SalesEducation: Bachelor of Arts Business Management, National-Louis University, 1992Civic involvement: Former Lion's Club member, Bloomingdale Township Precinct Committeeman and Vice Chair of the Bloomingdale Township Democratic OrganizationElected offices held: Trustee, Bloomingdale Fire Protection District, 2001-2007Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoQuestions Answers What attributes do you bring to the supervisory role circuit court clerk? What makes you more qualified than your opponent to do the job?As a former Assistant Deputy Clerk in the DuPage County Clerk of the Circuit Court office (2003-2005), I have had first-hand exposure to the process and proceedings of the office. I value transparency and efficiency and have a strong work ethic. I will be available to the staff and public all day, every day. I bring honesty and integrity, constantly trying to save taxpayer?s money without compromising any reduction of staff with high-proficiency levels. I also have a background of budgeting, personnel, union negotiating and management.What changes would you propose to improve the operation of the circuit court clerk's office? Why?I see an opportunity to increase efficiency by having a special area for attorneys to motion cases at peak times which will expedite their business and allow the remaining staff to handle the general public's requests in a timely fashion. I strongly believe in no outsourcing of departments, such as data input imaging, to maintain the high quality of handling and securing documents. It would be a win-win situation to have a college internship program for those interested in the law or justice to work side-by-side with experienced staff. Also, I consider the continuous education of employees to maintain the high quality of expertise is extremely important and that training in ethics and various harassment situations must be included.How can the circuit court clerk's office improve public access to court records and other documents? Please be specific.Technology is the first step to provide easier access to information, payment, form filing, notifications, as well as updating the website to make it easier to navigate for the general public to find answers quickly. However, even the best technology can be complicated and cause people headaches. Posting videos of popular subjects on the website in multiple languages can help explain procedures such as form filing instructions, procedures, and even instructions to e-forms. To lower the barrier to access even further, workshops at libraries around the county can be held to educate the public on popular subjects.This field intentionally left blank.Candidate did not respond.This field intentionally left blank.Candidate did not respond.