LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Posted October 19, 2020

Dear Editor:

I’m not a wealthy person by any means, but I will not accept compensation for this office. I believe that the salary could be utilized elsewhere in the office (such as a new website, and increasing the wages of other office workers).  I believe firmly in transparency.  All public information will be public. I will be reasonable, when it comes to payments of fines. Offering longer-term payment plans at reasonable installment rates.  This will prevent the necessity of utilizing a collection agency to collect a fine.

I don't want or need your sympathy votes!

Yes it is true; I am a wheelchair-bound disabled veteran.  This DOES NOT mean I am entitled to your vote.  I would appreciate you just voting for me because of what I can bring to the job, not simply voting for me because of what I am.  Although I may not have the exact technical aspects of a particular job; I have the ability, instilled by the Military, to quickly adapt to any job situation and excel.

Transparency –

The use of secret classifications to keep from the public information that it should have is completely wrong. If I am able to see it, the public should see it. However, there should be some redacted information to protect the privacy of individuals.

Payment plans –

If a person cannot afford the full amount of a fine, in a lump sum, they should be able to set up a payment plan with the court system. This keeps the court from suspending their driver license or sending the fine to a collection agency. ...

Customer service –

I have been told that the workers in the Circuit Clerk’s office are hateful to the public. The Circuit Clerk’s office should be an inviting environment to the public.  This is likely a person’s first interaction with the court system; it should not be a bad one.   New ways to serve the public, without additional spending, should be researched constantly.  Most of these services could be implemented in an online format.

“Convenience traffic court” –

By borrowing the idea from Sangamon County, the citizens of DeWitt County will have the option to appear in court at a more convenient time than their assigned first appearance.

Eligible individuals include: Drivers who received a petty traffic violation and wish to request court supervision. Drivers who received a compliance violation (no insurance card, no insurance, expired registration/sticker, no valid driver's  license, etc.).

Why am I running?  That’s an easy answer, no choice for this position!  How fair is it to the residents of DeWitt County to only have one choice on the ballot in November?  The incumbent was running unopposed, and that isn’t the right thing to have done to the residents of this county.  Either you will vote for the incumbent or for me.  Whatever your choice is, you will at least have a choice for this position come November.

Thank you for your time,

Nathan Florey

Clinton, IL