Two seek nomination for clerk

Editor’s note: This is the first in our series of stories previewing the May 3 primary election. Early voting begins April 5. All election-related stories will be posted at http://www.thecr.com and will remain active until election day.
A pair of Republicans are hoping to have the chance to take Ellen Coats’ place as she is winding down her second term.
Republicans Jon A. Eads and Jo Newman are seeking the Republican nomination for Jay Circuit Court clerk, a position Coats has held since 2009.
Eads, a Portland resident, is a 1978 graduate of Jay County High School and a 2006 graduate of Indiana Business College. He is an assistant manager at Arby’s in Portland.
Newman, who lives in Pike Township, graduated from South Side High School in Fort Wayne in 1981 and served as first deputy to Coats from January 2013 through April 2014. She is currently the first deputy to Jay County recorder Betty St. Myers.
The candidates were asked to respond to a questionnaire from The Commercial Review. Their answers follow.
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Why is the office of Jay Circuit Court clerk important?
Eads: The officer oversees the court’s documents and keep records for the proceedings, issues marriage licenses and has records that people use to track their pasts. It is also responsible for collecting various fines and fees and keeping accurate records of such.
Newman: The files of the courts are kept, processed and maintained in the office according to the judge’s orders. The clerk’s deputies are responsible for making sure that all parties involved in the court cases are notified of what is happening with their case.
The office is responsible for collecting judgment fees, court costs and child support. The clerk is responsible for elections. The clerk must ensure the election is run smoothly, correctly and without incident. After accepting candidate filings the clerk must make sure the ballot is correct, the voting machines are in working order and must make sure there are enough poll workers for lection day. Plus many more duties and responsibilities.
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What would you do to make the clerk’s office work effectively?
Eads: I would hope to retain current staff who have worked in the office and are fully knowledgeable of the job and what needs to be done. It seems to me that the current knowledge level should be enhanced with friendly camaraderie and fair treatment of each other, and I would continue the things that are already in place that work effectively.
Newman: I will maintain a staff that is friendly yet professional. I will conduct periodic one on one meetings with my deputies to determine their needs and potential areas for improvement. I will also listen to their suggestions for ways to improve our service to the citizens of Jay County. I will keep an open line of communication with the courts, the prosecutor’s office and the probation office to ensure the judge’s orders are understood and processed correctly.
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What makes you the best candidate for the position?
Eads: I bring management experience (about 35 years worth), have served on a couple boards of the years, have a friendly attitude and have also served in supervisory positions involving 200 to 250 people that I was over. I will promote teamwork and cohesiveness in the office and continue the open door policy, of course all while upholding the statutes of the State of Indiana.
Newman: I worked as first deputy to the clerk for 16 months and have a solid understanding of the daily operations of the clerk’s office. I have worked with most of the current staff and know what each one adds to the office. I will be approachable and helpful while serving the citizens of Jay County. Most of all, I want to be your next clerk.