Candidate profile: DeKalb County Circuit Clerk

By Northern Star Staff

The following is the response to a Northern Star questionnaire sent to all local candidates for the 2020 election. Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and consistency.

Name:

Lori Grubbs

Occupation:

DeKalb County Circuit Clerk’s Office, Supervisor of the Civil Division

Education:

Associates Degree from Kishwaukee College

Position running for:

Circuit Clerk of DeKalb County

Related Experience: 

I have worked for the DeKalb County Circuit Clerk’s Office for 26 years and have been the supervisor for the past 16 years. Prior to that, I worked for a local law firm in DeKalb.

Why are you running:

I am running to become the next Circuit Clerk of DeKalb County because I have both the experience and qualifications to lead the Office. I have also built strong relationships with the many groups who use the Clerk’s Office and I hope to continue to build upon those relationships.

Goals you want to accomplish if elected:

There are several goals I have for the office. The first would be to continue the strong tradition of public service, access, and transparency to those who use the court system. I also want to continue to bring electronic initiatives that would better serve the public. This would include more kiosks, additional public computer stations, and training for staff to help those who represent themselves. Finally, I hope to implement into the Criminal Division the e-filing system mandated by the State of Illinois.

Why students/residents should vote for you:

I am the most qualified and experienced candidate in this race. This position is a nonpartisan position that is not involved in policymaking. The position requires a knowledge of both the Clerk of the Courts Act as well as understanding of the Court System. The person running this Office is responsible for keeping the court record maintaining the integrity of those records. In my 26 years, I have earned the trust and confidence of those in the legal community.

The Northern Star is publishing the candidates’ responses to our questions as they are given to us. The Northern Star is not endorsing local candidates.