Response from Jane Schweitzer, Candidate for Clerk of Circuit Court

Web site: janeschweitzer.com

1. What do you view as the key role, and/or attributes needed, for this position?

The role of the Circuit Clerk is to be an efficient administrator. The Clerk must possess the ability to resolve conflicting viewpoints regarding administrative and budgetary issues. The Clerk must have the trust and respect of the judges and the staff in order to accomplish this.

2. What experience / attributes do you have that qualify you for this position?

I have been an attorney for 32 years and know how important a well-functioning Clerk’s office is to the protection of our rights as citizens. As a long time resident of the City, I am also keenly aware of the need for elected officials to be good stewards of our tax dollars. My experience as an attorney and sense of responsibility for the prudent use of our tax dollars qualify me for this position.

3. Why do you think you are the best person for this position? What differentiates you from your opponent(s) (if applicable)?

The conflicted relationship between the current Circuit Clerk and the judges has taken the focus of the Clerk away from the efficient and effective administration of that office. As an attorney with over three decades of experience before the Circuit Court for the City of St. Louis, I have earned the respect and trust of our judges. This respect and trust will form the basis of a good working relationship between the Clerk and the judges, will allow for the resolution of differences without resort to litigation, and will improve the functioning of the Clerk’s office to better serve the citizens of this City.

4. What do you feel are the most pressing issues currently facing this office? (please be specific)

The relationship between the current Clerk and the judges is not good. Because of the discord between the Clerk and the judges, the most pressing issue currently facing the Circuit Clerk is the need to restore respect and trust between the Clerk and the judges so that they can work as team to best serve the citizens of St. Louis. In addition, in these very difficult economic times, we need to carefully scrutinize the budget of the Clerk’s office to eliminate duplication of functions and the resulting unnecessary expenditure of tax dollars.

5. What plans do you have for addressing these issues? (please be specific)

My election will send a message that the citizens of this City expect and demand that the Circuit Clerk and the judges work together to achieve the most effective and efficient court system that is possible. As Circuit Clerk, I would immediately address issues involving the relationship between the Clerk and the judges and closely scrutinize the budget of the Clerk’s office to eliminate the duplication of expenses and functions so as to assure the most prudent use of our tax dollars.

6. What particular strengths would help you defeat other party opponents (if applicable) in the November general election?

Of the candidates for this office, I am the most qualified to resolve the discord between the Clerk and judges and effectively administer the Clerk’s office. In addition, as a long time City resident I have vested interest in assuring that the taxes we pay are used to best serve our citizens.