These responses were submitted by McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael, a Republican, who faces Democratic challenger Nikita Richards. The questionnaire was prepared by GLT in partnership with the League of Women Voters of McLean County. See more candidate responses.
What professional experience do you have that you think qualifies you to be county clerk?
My nearly eight years as McLean County Clerk has given me the hands on experience. Eight years of a record of integrity, quality customer service backed up by surveys available to the public, fourteen elections with no hints of voter disenfranchisement or any voting problems, innovative ways to save money; cross-training of staff very low turnover in staffing. We have been among the first counties in Illinois to join the State-wide cybersecurity program in Illinois, working with the State Board of Elections, Homeland Security, Illinois State Police and the FBI; hosting the first-statewide cybersecurity forum in Normal in 2018. We successfully handled the merger of the Recorder's office, by Referendum of a vote by the voters in 2012 seamlessly. Surveys to our Recording customers is a matter of record; both giving a score of over 4.50 with 5 being the "best in service" in both surveys over the past four years. We are proud of our diverse, talented staff and provided idea to our I.T. Department last year, to be able to provide forms on our website available in all languages, not just 2 or three languages. Our idea was then implemented and made available for all McLean County Government sites. We have two staff members who speak several languages; one staff member with a Masters Degree in Languages. We are also known for our county-wide outreach to all organizations who wish us to speak on any issues related to our office; especially our high schools and town and township organizations. We are proud of our voter registration drives that we assist with each and every election cycle as well.
What steps do you think the county clerk’s office should take to protect against cybersecurity threats, including those targeting our election systems?
We were among the first counties in Illinois to sign up for the cybersecurity programs being offered by the State Board of elections in conjunction with other state and federal authorities. We have steps in place, working closely with our I.T. department and the State Board of Elections, who we work with daily in programs that are implemented and being implemented. We recently received federal funding assistance in the amount of $23,000 which will be used to add additional layers of security through software updates and other things handled by our I.T. Department.
What is a service provided by the clerk’s office that is especially well-managed? And what is a service provided by the clerk’s office where you see room for improvement?
Every service that we currently provide is well-managed. This is borne out through our daily compliments and input from our customers. With all due modesty, it's very seldom we get a complaint. Our goal has and continues to be excellent customer service to our bosses, the taxpayers of McLean County, and others who come to us for service. Room for improvement? Everyone can always strive to improve, that is what our goal is. . . . we continually look for ways to streamline and to make things work even better than they do now; we do that, as our time permits, by researching other county sites to see what they have that we might wish to incorporate; we go to conferences to do the same, picking up ideas, interacting with our peers to see what's new that we may want to consider incorporating in our office.
Should the clerk’s office be proactively involved in voter engagement, in encouraging people to vote, in hopes of increasing turnout?
The role of the clerk's office is to conduct smooth, effective, fraud-free elections. We do that. We are always available to provide information, voter registration drive assistance, voter and election information with speaking engagements, and through information on our website and Facebook. Ultimately, the political parties, the candidates must engage the public to give them their reasons why they should turn out to vote. We are always there to assist with information and ideas to help any and all who ask. We love working with our high schools to help engage students in the election process and have a reputation for our outreach and participation.
What would you do to ensure polling places are adequately staffed and equipped for Election Day?
As our past fourteen elections have proven, we have always been adequately staffed and equipped for each election. We have a reputation for being one of few counties who seldom has problems securing enough election judges each election cycle. Our County Board has always been especially helpful in giving us what we need; when a need comes up where more judges and equipment are needed.
Do you think McLean County should establish a countywide election commission? Why or why not?
In 95 of 102 counties, elections are conducted by the County Clerk. If Election Commissions were the answer; this number would be reversed. Ultimately, this should be left up to the voters. It's their decision; it's their tax dollars. The one plus? If voters don't like the job the Clerk is doing, they can make a change at election time. That is not an option with a commission based scenario. From a cost look at this, we need less government entities, not more.
