About the Candidate
Name: Iris Y. Martinez
DOB: Feb. 25, 1956
Occupation: Senator of the 20th District, State of Illinois
Political Experience: Since 2003, Senator of the 20th District, State of Illinois State Central Committeewoman, 4th Congressional District
Website: irisforclerk.com
Candidate Statement
Hello, I am State Senator Iris Martinez and I am running for Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
For 17 years I have served the citizens of Illinois, sponsoring and supporting legislation that protects working families, women’s reproductive health rights and breaking barriers for women and people of color.
I will bring that same passion, dedication, and ability to produce results to the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
As an experienced, independent woman and lawmaker, I am ready to lead the Clerk’s office and come well prepared to make the tough decisions necessary to reform this office.
I pledge to end the neglect, mismanagement, and corruption that has plagued the County Clerk’s office for decades and will usher in a new era rooted in government reforms.
I will implement a Code of Conduct that not only bans political contributions from employees and vendors doing business with the Court Clerk’s Office, but also with any Cook County government office.
I will also implement high standards of conduct to enhance public confidence and preserve the integrity of the judicial system.
The culture of the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office needs to change, so it is easier for the citizens to interact with the court system.
For example, the Office should allow for online payments of court costs and filing fees. It is unacceptable that people need to take time off from work or spend money traveling to the Office just to pay their court costs.
I will fully digitize the operations of the Clerk’s office and adopt new technologies that will lower costs and save taxpayer money.
As Clerk of the Circuit Court I will personally adhere to the highest ethical standards. I will respect Union contracts, end patronage abuses and make the Clerk’s office one of the most respected offices in the Country.
Remember. On March 17th, vote for me, Iris Martinez, for Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Thank you!
Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
Since 2003, I have served Illinois as State Senator for the 20th District, but long before my election I had spent most of my adult life in public service, advocating for working families and breaking barriers for women and people of color.
The Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office has endured years of neglect, mismanagement, and corruption. This office is sorely lacking public trust and confidence. I have heard from Circuit Court judges and the attorneys that come before them expressing their frustration with the inefficiencies of the Court Clerk’s office. I believe the office can and must do better. I have the ability and experience needed to help usher in a new era rooted in government reforms.
What is your vision for this office?
A Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office that works for the citizens. Major reforms and an overhaul of how the Cook County Circuit Court’s Office operates are critical to regaining public trust and respect. The Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office has been plagued by corruption and patronage. Building public confidence in the Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is mandatory.
What do you think is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?
The Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office needs more than the modernization of its technology; it needs modernization and reform of its culture. The culture needs to change, so it is easier for the citizens to interact with the court system. After years of mismanagement and corruption, building public confidence is necessary for changing the culture of the Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. It is my experience that bringing Sunlight and Transparency to a public office propels a change in its culture.
