VOTE411 Voter Guide

I would repair the working relationship with the Judges and District Court staff which has been strained in the last 3 years. Provide as many online services as possible so residents can use the office without driving downtown.

I know basic information is available within the Douglas County website but I would to make the information more user-friendly and accessible to the residents.

The Clerk's Office and the Judges and their staff have to work hand in hand to be efficient and cost-effective for the taxpayers. I promise to work my butt off to meet and listen to every Judge and their concerns. I solve problems, I don't create them.

I’ll reduce delays by setting clear turnaround standards for filing intake, docketing, record requests, and payments—and publishing simple monthly metrics so the public knows what to expect. I’ll triage urgent matters first (protection orders, juvenile/custody deadlines, warrants, imminent hearings) and run targeted backlog “sprints” until we’re current. Inside the office, I’ll cross-train staff, document procedures, and build coverage plans to prevent bottlenecks. We’ll use e-filing more like federal court—fast and consistent. The Clerk won’t play lawyer: accept administratively proper filings, flag issues, and let parties and judges decide legal disputes.

I’d improve accessibility by making court procedures and public information clearer, easier to find, and available online, by phone, and in person. I’ll publish plain-language “how-to” guides, checklists, and FAQs for common tasks (filings, record requests, copies, payments, jury service) with step-by-step instructions and clear fee and turnaround info. I’ll modernize the website, improve e-filing guidance, add appointment options for high-volume services, and strengthen phone/email routing so people reach the right staff quickly. I’ll also expand disability accommodations and language access while protecting walk-in help for those without internet.

I’d enhance coordination by creating consistent operating routines with judges and county officials—because the Clerk’s Office is the “nerve center” of the justice system and a critical bridge to the public. I’ll hold regular check-ins with judges/court administration to review workflow, upcoming high-volume periods, and backlog using shared metrics. I’ll set clear escalation channels so urgent filing or docket issues are flagged quickly and resolved by the court, not stalled. With county officials, I’ll coordinate on staffing, training, records management, and tech upgrades—using data to prioritize improvements without increasing taxpayer costs.