Q&A with Coffelt

1. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that? What will be your main priority in office?

I am seeking re-election to continue the dedicated leadership which has resulted in an efficient and fiscally responsible office operation staffed with knowledgeable, courteous and helpful public servants who maintain accurate case and financial information for all matters heard in the 19th Judicial Circuit.

2. For incumbents and non-incumbents:

If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led.

If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.

Over the past 28 years, I have automated the record-keeping within the office to allow us to maintain the ever-increasing volume of cases that are heard in the courts of Lake County. I was the first office in the county to develop a career path for employees to encourage retention of knowledgeable staff. All county employees now have career path opportunities available to them.

Throughout my 28 year tenure, I have always operated a fiscally responsible and conservative budget.

3. What are your goals in terms of delivery of services and management of the Lake County circuit court Clerk's office?

The Office of the Lake County circuit court Clerk is known for its efficient operation and its knowledgeable, courteous and helpful staff. I plan to continue fostering this reputation while operating a fiscally responsible budget. I intend to continue developing and implementing useful technologies and systems, such as Integrated Justice, that will allow staff to maintain the high level of service for which we are known.

4. What would your priorities be in budget requests for this office?

I adhere to the county budget policies and operate a fiscally responsible budget. Technological developments have been funded with user fees in the past and the same path will be followed in the future.

5. Do you favor any changes in the training and/or deployment of the office staff? If so, what?

The fact that the staff of the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk is known to be very knowledgeable and courteous attests to the training that is currently done. Many of our staff are furthering their educations at local educational institutions and I wholeheartedly support their efforts. Review of staff assignments is ongoing and changes are made whenever it is deemed necessary based on a variety of circumstances such as case load or judicial assignment.

6. What specific steps, if any, can be taken to make this office operate more efficiently?

I believe that the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk operates very effectively at this time, but we are always looking for ways to improve customer service. We are currently in the process of automating the sharing of criminal information within the justice agencies and hope to expand this program in the future to include civil and quasi-criminal cases.