Bernius has spent the past 25 years working in the clerk’s office. McIntyre spent 18 years in the same job. Both candidates can make a legitimate claim to be well-qualified to assume the job of clerk of Superior Court.
Both candidates also share a desire to improve the delivery of services by the clerk’s office.
Bernius, who is currently serving as the chief deputy clerk, said growth in the county has emphasized the need for more efficient service.
Citing a 22 percent increase in the civil case load and a 15 percent increase in the criminal case load, Bernius said electronic filing is critical to better serving the citizens of Barrow County.
“In order to keep up with our growth, I believe it is important to be prepared for the future of electronic filing,” she said. “Ultimately, all courts in the state will go to electronic filing and the clerk’s office in Barrow needs to be prepared for this.”
Bernius said another goal is to improve the office’s web site to better serve the citizens by allowing online access to public records. Bernius said this move would save citizens time and money.
McIntyre had her own plans for improved customer service.
“The everyday Joe that comes in the office may not know exactly what it is that he needs,” she said. McIntyre said she would work to help citizens learn how the office works and provide good customer service. McIntyre vowed to work side-by-side with employees to improve the level of service for citizens.
McIntyre said her other concern was that records in the clerk’s office should be no more than two or three days behind. McIntyre vowed to work with the employees and reorganize as necessary to achieve her goal of good job performance.
“Good enough is not good enough,” she said. “I want that office to be the absolute best.”
