Kane clerk working to improve computer access

The Kane County circuit clerk's office has launched a beta version of a new online portal that will make it easier for the public to look up court cases.

Other changes coming soon will prevent online users from viewing people's birth dates and other information that can facilitate identity theft and allow attorneys of record on cases to remotely view documents and submit court motions instead of driving to the clerk's office.

The new website is at www.cic.co.kane.il.us/newBetaPublicInquiryAccess.htm, though on Saturday the beta portion of it was listed as “temporarily disabled.”

Increasing access has been an issue in the race to succeed Deb Seyller as clerk as Tom Hartwell, Karin Herwick and Cathy Hurlbut seek the Republican nomination in the March 20 primary.

The beta version of the online portal for the circuit clerk's office went into effect late Thursday, and Seyller, who is not seeking another term, was unavailable Friday to elaborate on it.

The changes are not part of the county investigating a complete overhaul of its court case management system, a move that in coming years some have pegged to cost up to $12.6 million.

“The primary goals we wanted to accomplish are improving the navigation of our website and protecting confidential information,” said Herwick, who is the chief deputy court clerk in Sellyer's office.

Herwick said she's been working with Seyller's staff since last fall on these changes, and their implementation has nothing to do with the upcoming primary election a few weeks from now.

“They are long overdue. It is something in my role in the office (that) I've been pushing for these changes. It's not something that can take place overnight,” Herwick said.

Hartwell, a former Kane County Board member and South Elgin attorney, applauded the changes.

“It's very important that we serve the public and provide, when we can, user-friendly technology. This is more along the lines of what I'd like to see in the office,” said Hartwell, noting that electronic access to court documents can help make attorneys more efficient and thus lower fees charged to clients.

Asked how he felt about the timing of the changes, Hartwell said: “It's better late than never. The timing is what it is. I'm just glad the discussion we've had over the last several months has prompted changes.”

Hurlbut, a current Kane County Board member and Elgin attorney, has said in her campaign she believes the office needs to upgrade its computer system and control its budget.

Access: Public access portal went online Thursday