Q&A with Pruim Haran

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?

The Lake County Circuit Court Clerk's Office is in need of updated automation and improved service. As part of the Lake County legal community I witness, every day, the struggles taxpayers are faced with when attempting to deal with the clerk's office due to outdated automation.

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.

My main goal would be to update the office. As the third largest county in Illinois, there is no reason that our residents and clients of the clerk's Office cannot access information easily over the Internet.

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

My goal would be to improve efficiency of the delivery of service through updated technology. Updated technology will allow taxpayers to access information from their homes and will decrease wait times in the clerk's offices. With my managerial background, my goal will be to create an office where each staff member is pleased to come to work because they know that not only are they treated fairly based upon their work, but because they are proud of the quality service they provide.

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

My priority would be to review the current budgetary needs versus income to pinpoint where funds can be found to update the automation of the office without costing our taxpayers money.

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

The current staff is friendly and knowledgeable. However, with any changes in office policies will come the necessity of new training tools. This is especially true with technological advancements. Each staff member will be trained so that they are well prepared to accept the challenges and benefits of any updates in the technology of the office.

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

In speaking with residents and attorneys, the biggest complaint about the Circuit Clerk's office is the lack of technology. Based upon this feedback I have received, I believe the best way to improve efficiency is to improve the technology. These two will work hand in hand.