John T. Frey* (R)
Office Sought: Clerk of the Court
Age: 52
Residence: West Springfield.
Education: BA, education, Furman University; JD, Hamline University School of Law.
Occupation: Clerk, Fairfax Circuit Court.
Web site:http://johnfreyforclerk.com
E-mail address: johnfreyforclerk@gmail.com
Offices and positions held: Clerk, Fairfax Circuit Court, 1992-present; member, Leadership Fairfax '96; Virginia State Bar and Fairfax Bar Association; Virginia Court Clerks' Association; past president, Virginia Metropolitan Circuit Court Clerks' Association; Joint Subcommittee Studying the Operations of Circuit Court Clerks' Offices; Chief Justice's Advisory Committee on Circuit Courts; past member, Virginia Board for People With Disabilities.
Why should voters elect you?
"I am the only candidate with court management experience and 16 years of proven leadership. I am dedicated to fair and respectful treatment for all."
What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?
"The most urgent problem facing the clerk's office is the continued budget problems being experienced by the commonwealth and Fairfax County, as the clerk's office receives funding from both. In the past, we have been able to absorb budget cuts as a result of efficiencies gained by automation. During the state's last budget crisis, trust funds set aside for clerk's office technology were taken to balance the budget. It is anticipated that at least a portion of the trust funds will be taken again this year."
What is your plan to address the traffic problems in Virginia?
I will continue to strive to provide the public with "finger tip" access to the court. I have implemented numerous changes which have reduced the number of trips people have to make to the courthouse. For example, when I took office, procedural information and forms, such as notary applications, were only available in person. You had to get the form at the courthouse, take it home, fill it out and bring it back. Now, forms, procedural brochures and other information are available on our website. You can download and complete the form without coming to the courthouse. Secure remote access allows title companies and attorneys to conduct research from their offices. An expanded electronic filing system will allow title companies and settlement agents to record land record documents without coming to the courthouse. These and other changes have and will continue to save thousands of trips to the courthouse.
Do you think current policies governing growth & development in your area are too restrictive, not restrictive enough or just right?
decline to answer
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