Erin Cartwright Weinstein: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: GurneeWebsite: www.citizensforerin.orgTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court Age: 43Family: Brother, Brent CartwrightBrother, Arthur CartwrightBrother, Alexander CartwrightMother, Kathleen Grix CartwrightFather, Robert CartwrightHusband, David WeinsteinUncle, Henry GrixUncle, Bruce CartwrightAunt, Barbara CartwrightAunt, Susanne GarrettCousin, Scott GarrettCousin, Katie GarrettCousin, Marie SebadeCousin, George CartwrightFather in Law, Arthur WeinsteinMother in Law, Elaine WeinsteinSister in Law, Jill WeinsteinSister in Law, Karen WeinsteinStep Daughter, Kathleen WeinsteinOccupation: AttorneyEducation: Hartland Highschool GraduateSt. Mary's College, Notre Dame, BAThomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D.Civic involvement: Illinois State Bar AssociationAssociation of Women Attorneys of Lake CountyLake County Bar AssociationGurnee Chamber of CommerceLake County Chamber of CommerceAlmost Home Dog Rescue of OhioTails of Hope Rescue, Highland Park, ILElected offices held: Treasurer, Association of Women Attorneys of Lake CountyBoard of Directors, Association of Women Attorneys of Lake CountyQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office? If you are running for re-election, is there an important project you want to implement? If you are a challenger, is there a particular issue that motivates you? Please explain.Brin has not delivered on his promises. Technology still lags behind most other courts. He has spent more than $5 million on an e-filing system that is still not finished and it's only used in a few thousand cases. The public still cannot fully access their records or pay their fines online. There's been needless waste of taxpayer dollars especially in fighting against meritless employee complaints and lawsuits.Describe your position on transparency and public service in the circuit clerk's office and the ease of access to records by the public. If you believe improvements are needed, what are they and how would you go about achieving them?This is a public office and requires transparency. Currently, non-budgeted items such as attorney fees and personal purchases of food and coffee are hidden in the office supply fund. The current e-filing system is still not complete and records cannot be viewed online through the clumsy public access site.What aspects of the office do you think needs improvement? Be specific. How would you address that need?Upgrade technology concerning court files. Records and documents should be backed up in an electronic format. This would allow the public remote access to their documents. System security needs improvement. The computer system should be upgraded to meet the demands of a 24/7 society. The public has limited access to records and no way to pay their costs online. Restructure the office so that it is not management heavy. Training is lacking and many employees believe they are unable to perform the office functions with limited resources. The office supply budget should purchase supplies that are needed not attorney fees.In the last year or so, the office has had to address the formation of a union and an associated lawsuit that have strained relationships with employees. What should be done to mend those relationships?The clerks deserve a workplace where they can work efficiently and as a team. I would resolve the current lawsuits immediately upon taking office. I would then repair the relationships by restructuring the office to ensure that the staff are appropriately placed in positions that would enable them to thrive and perform at their greatest level. As clerk, I would work directly with staff to learn all of the functions of the office, and use a hands on approach to managing the office.Please list any elected office you've ever run for and what the result of that election was. Have you ever been appointed to fill an unexpired term?No, none.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Providing transparency on the office budget and spending. Providing a more level and fair pay system. Improve the treatment of the office staff, and expect that the staff will be respectful of each other. There is not much diversity in the office, and their needs to be more consideration taken in the hiring process.Provide handicap access to the public (more than one chair/computer), and returning chairs to the viewing room for public use.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Dalai LamaWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I learned how to be a part of a team and patience. I have three active younger brothers with very different personalities.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I did not attend a family trip to Australia because of work obligations. There is no make up for family time and missed opportunities.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Sociology. I studied various cultures, and learned to recognize and appreciate other's lifestyles. It taught me to understand and help others with thoughtfulness.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Do what you love because you will be successful at it!