William M. Ryland (D)
Office Sought: Clerk of the Court
Age: 55
Residence: Woodbridge.
Education: BA, English, JD, University of Richmond.
Occupation: Lawyer and partner, Ryland & Merchak PC.
Web site:http://www.rylandforclerk.com
E-mail address: rylandforclerk@gmail.com
Offices and positions held: Clerk of Circuit Court, appointed by judges, 1991; member, Virginia State Bar, Prince William Bar, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association; commissioner in chancery; past member, Virginia Court Clerks Association; National Association for Court Management; Virginia Association of Commonwealth Attorneys; National District Attorneys Association; Prince William Chamber of Commerce; Prince William-Greater Manassas Chamber.
Why should voters elect you?
I am the only candidate with 27 years' experience as a practicing attorney, clerk of court and assistant prosecutor serving Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park.
What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?
With the population growth of Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park surging dramatically, the clerk of court, as the administrator of our court system, must implement consumer-friendly measures to tackle this growth. Our citizens deserve that their court system be efficient, professional, user-friendly and fair. I have served our community previously as clerk of court, more than 10 years as an assistant prosecutor and more than 15 years as a private-practice attorney. With more than 27 years combined experience in and through our clerk's office and courthouse, I offer the best qualifications and experience among all candidates.
What is your plan to address the traffic problems in Virginia?
The Clerk of Court has no authority over traffic issues. These are legislative matters handled by our delegates, our senators, and our county supervisors. The Clerk manages court administration, land records, estate administration and many other activities which document the lives of county residents from birth to death. However, I would work to develop alternatives to ease traffic by: allowing for increased business online that would still protect the sensitive personal information of county residents from identity theft by unscrupulous individuals; extending the Clerkâs office hours; and establishing satellite offices closer to the people. I would work to redact the availability of personal data from existing information available online. These alternatives must be pursued and developed in a cost-effective manner that maximizes the use of taxpayer funds, results in reduced traffic to the courthouse and protects confidentiality.
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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