Name: Elizabeth Price Folk

Age: 64

Party: Democrat

1. As Clerk of Court, how will you manage the upcoming merger of the Family Court System and the Child Support System?

As your next Clerk of Court, I would ensure that any upgrades and/or merger required would be accomplished with minimal interruptions to the daily operation of the Family Court. We would work closely with state agencies and any other departments as we have in the past with any new programs and updates to the office. I would ensure that my staff, as well as myself, would take advantage of any meetings and training offered concerning this merger.

2. If elected, how will you handle the ever changing technology that is prevalent for day to day operations?

I would make any upgrades necessary to any or all of our operating systems. I will continue to work with the state to remain in compliance with their requirements. Any changes made must be carefully considered because some of your records are confidential and critically important. My first priority is to protect the sensitive information contained any many records. We have recently added the ability to make child support payments online and by phone through GOVPAYNET for the convenience of those required to pay.

3. What do you believe are the biggest needs of the Clerk of Court’s Office, and how will you address them?

I believe that I need to work with other county officials to ensure the ongoing project concerning the basement area of the courthouse is completed to meet the space needs of the judicial function. Also, to continue cross training my staff to ensure that the Clerk of Court’s Office maintains quality customer service.

4. What type of changes would you want to implement as Clerk of Court?

The Clerk of Court’s Office will see many changes over the next few years. This includes statewide E-filing for the Court of Common Pleas and the merger of our Family Court Child Support System with our new Case Management System. Also, we are presently considering online indexes for our real estate records.

5. In your opinion, what makes you more qualified for this position than your opponent?

I have 38 years of experience in the Clerk of Court’s Office, 26 of those years, I have served as your Deputy Clerk of Court. I have worked in all departments within the Clerk of Court’s Office. I am familiar with the daily operations of the office as well as the many requirements this office meets on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis. I have worked with our current Clerk of Court for many years to prepare our three budgets and to work within those budgets approved by Newberry County Council. I know the people of Newberry County and how critical it is to have quick and efficient access to your important records. I also know that those records must be protected against lost or unauthorized use. I believe my experience as your deputy Clerk of Court has prepared me for the honor of serving you as your next Clerk of Court.

Name: Richard Lail

Age: 58

Party: Republican

1. As Clerk of Court, how will you manage the upcoming merger of the Family Court System and the Child Support System?

The new system will be mandated by court administration and will be similar to the CMS (court management system) That is already in place. We will implement the new system as directed with training and cross training all employees so that everyone in the office can assist the public.

2. If elected, how will you handle the ever changing technology that is prevalent for day to day operations?

I plan to implement any new technology that is applicable to our court appointed functions and will result in ease of use for the public and employees of the clerk’s office.

3. What do you believe are the biggest needs of the Clerk of Court’s Office, and how will you address them?

I will make the office less bureaucratic- by this I plan to operate the business of the clerk to be more user-friendly for the attorneys and also the individuals who need our services.

4. What type of changes would you want to implement as Clerk of Court?

The automation of the records and deeds division will be a priority. This will enable the public and out of county customers quicker, easier information for resolution to issues.

5. In your opinion, what makes you more qualified for this position than your opponent?

My 13 years experience as a Newberry county magistrate gives me an advantage of unbiased Community service. Also, my twenty five years experience as a Newberry County businessman has Trained me for customer based, employee related, and budget oriented management. These attributes far outweigh many years of bureaucratic service that is less diversified.

Folk
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_Beth.jpgFolk

Lail
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_Lail.jpgLail