Kelly Elias:  Republican Candidate for Circuit Clerk

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[March 11, 2020]  I grew up in Lincoln, attending CEL and LCHS. My husband and I live in rural Elkhart and we have 3 grown children. I formerly was a legal assistant at the Gehlbach Law Office where I attended CLE classes for civil litigation. During my tenure there I was in charge of all small claims cases.

I am currently the Chief Deputy Circuit Clerk. My duties entail being the in-courtroom clerk for both the Circuit and Associate judges and processing of all court cases in both civil and criminal divisions. I am often called upon to resolve procedural questions from other circuit clerks within the state. I have trained and worked with state and local agencies; including law enforcement, Secretary of State, IL Department of Corrections, Center for Youth and Family Solutions, Department of Children Family Services, State of IL Comptroller, and practicing attorneys. My other duties include recording case dispositions, court orders, and the management of all accounts in collections.

Some of my training includes the areas of the American Disability Act as the Court Disability Coordinator, Criminal Traffic Assessment Act, Cannabis Regulation & Tax Act, Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice, Supreme Court and Appellate Court Rules for eFiling, Human Resource Policies and FMLA.

What strengths would you bring to the office?
My main strengths are proven experience, insight, and a smooth transition stepping into the role of Circuit Clerk. I began my career in the office Dec. 1, 2010. I am the Chief Deputy Circuit Clerk to Mary Kelley, our current Circuit Clerk. I have attended many conferences, trainings, zone meetings, and circuit meetings.
I have been a part of the pilot programs regarding electronic filing of records, fee structures, and research Illinois since its inception. When the clerk is out of the office I am in charge of the overall office operation. I work closely with our Courts as a courtroom clerk, many state and local agencies, and other offices in the courthouse. I am the direct contact with our collection agencies as we continue to use these resources to collect unpaid fines and fees.

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My insight for the office is experience and continuing education regarding statutes set by the Supreme Court. Continuing with the paperless process while maintaining secure media of the court records and further archiving of older records. I will continue to be fiscally responsible with the county budget and build upon communication within the office as a public servant.

This will be a smooth transition for both the office and the people of Logan County as I have working experience in this office working closely with the other deputy clerks. I have earned the confidence of my co-workers, judiciary, local and state agencies, attorneys, and the constituents as a leader in the office. I have the ability to cover where needed in the office operation and knowledgeable of other circuit court resources.

How would you keep the Circuit Clerk's Office the same or what changes would you make for greater efficiency, less costs, better service?
This office runs under the rules of the Illinois Supreme Court. As new laws are initiated we will continue to be early implementers in the ever-changing judicial system. As paperless filing continues to progress I will continue to be a part of the configuration groups using my hands-on-experience in the circuit clerk’s office. Electronic filing has begun eliminating file folders which has cut down on the office expense, opening up storage space, and allows the parties to view their case documents online. Research Illinois is still in the testing phase, and when it is ready for the general public to use, we are ready to assist. I will continue to hold this office to the highest integrity, respect, and loyalty for the citizens of Logan County.

Kelly Elias,
Republican Candidate for Circuit Clerk

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