Ortiz wins another term

A unanimous vote by the circuit judges has granted Jorge Ortiz a second term to serve as chief judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit in Lake County. Ortiz will begin his second term Jan. 2, 2017. "If we are to provide true and meaningful access to justice for all, courts must adapt to societal changes and emerging trends. In addition, we must provide appropriate facilities, implement a state-of-the-art case management system and apply use of cutting-edge technology," Ortiz said of his goals. "I am happy to report that some of these projects are currently in progress, for example, the construction of the new criminal courts tower and the improvements at the court facility at the Depke Juvenile Complex located in Vernon Hills. Other projects are forthcoming." Ortiz was appointed associate judge in 2002. In August 2008, he was appointed circuit judge by the Illinois Supreme Court, and was successfully elected circuit judge of the sixth subcircuit in the 2010 general election.