Kane County circuit court clerk candidates seek improvements, transparency

Incumbent Democrat Theresa Barreiro, who is seeking a second term as Kane County circuit court clerk, faces Republican challenger Anthony Catella on Nov. 5.

Barreiro, of Aurora, discussed why she is seeking a second term, and her accomplishments, during an interview with the Daily Herald Editorial Board.

Catella, of St. Charles, did not respond to an invitation to participate in the interview. He also did not respond to the Daily Herald’s candidate questionnaire. Catella wants to be clerk to ensure courts remain open and transparent to the public.

Barreiro said she is running again because her work improving the office is not finished.

“We’ve only just begun,” she said.

Barreiro said two challenges she has faced were an outdated computer and file-management system, and employee turnover.

The computer system has been updated now repeatedly, she said. And employee pay has been increased under two union contracts she negotiated.

“That was a huge, huge milestone for the circuit clerk’s office, because we could not even get applicants,” she said.

Barreiro also is proud of organizing clinics at which people can receive help applying to have convictions for low-level crimes, such as cannabis possession, expunged from court records. She also set up a drop box outside the main office to accept payments for fines and child support.

Barreiro formerly was a Kane County Board member. She previously worked in the Aurora city clerk’s office and the Kane County clerk’s office.

In videos recently posted on his Facebook page, Catella did not discuss any specific issues. He says in several, “It will be my solemn duty to see that the courts of this circuit remain open to all.”

At a League of Women Voters forum, when asked what policies he would implement to maintain openness of records while ensuring security, Catella said he would be able to do just as good a job as Barreiro, and that he would depend on the staff’s expertise since he has not done the job before.

Catella said his experience as a former Catholic priest, a teacher and a military veteran will be useful. He has a state teaching license, and teaches Constitution classes at One Life Co-School in Geneva. Catella previously ran for the Republican nomination for the 14th District Congressional seat, and the Kane County and St. Charles library boards.