Clerk candidates discuss job, qualifications

The three candidates for Clerk of the District Court came together for a community forum Wednesday evening, co-sponsored by The Western News and The Venture Inn. During the debate, the candidates praised the work of retiring clerk Susan Farmer and explained their differences in perspective and what those differences would mean for the citizens of Lincoln County.

Tricia Brooks is the administrative assistant to the current clerk of the court. She touted her knowledge of the office’s policies and protocols as her primary qualifications for the job. She said she has worked with two different district court judges and is ideally suited to help the court adjust to a new judge after the election.

Robin Schiferl is the lead clerk in Lincoln County’s justice court, a position she’s held for 15 years. She highlighted her experience in managing the data and files of the courts and her work in training six other clerks and several judges during her tenure.

Cyndi Miller said her strength is that she offers a fresh perspective, as she comes from outside of the court offices. Miller is the legal assistant for the Lincoln County Attorney’s Office, in which capacity she said she works with both courts and all branches of law enforcement as well as the public.

Schiferl said the most important aspect of the job is the ability to manage the information of the office. The ability to quickly and efficiently access court documents and records, and to convey the appropriate information to customers of the court, be they attorneys, law enforcement or members of the public, is the key to succeeding as the court clerk.

Miller said the most important aspect of the job is to be an efficient administrator. The role of the clerk, she said, is to ensure the office staff is well-trained and supported in their work. She said her focus would be on providing opportunities for the staff to grow in their jobs while working diligently to serve the public.

Brooks said the most important thing for the clerk is to work as part of the team. The office, she said, runs like a well-oiled machine and she wants to work to make sure it continues to do so. She said she would focus on making sure the staff has all of the training and support they need to do their jobs and work to maintain continuity in the efficient environment that currently exists in the office.

The candidates ended the discussion by highlighting their specific strengths and how those translate into the job.

Schiferl said her experience managing the court’s data and dealing with people in very trying emotional circumstances provides her with the experience and ability to do the job.

Brooks said her strengths derive from her hands-on experience in the office and her ability to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life. She said working in the clerk’s office has taught her how to handle difficult situations and how to explain to people the limitations of the office and, when necessary, to point them in the right direction.

Miller said her customer service skills and her perspective of coming from outside of the court offices make her the best candidate for the job. She said her work in law firms and in the county attorney’s office has taught her how to actively listen and understand what people need, even if they don’t really know how to proceed.

The primary election will be held June 7, with the top two candidates advancing to the Nov. 3 general election.