Endorsement: Erin Cartwright Weinstein for Lake County circuit court clerk

Incumbent Democrat Erin Cartwright Weinstein faces a challenge from newcomer Gloria Schmidt Rodriguez, a Waukegan attorney, in the race for Lake County circuit court clerk.

Weinstein's biggest accomplishment in her first term in office has been leading several technology improvements in the office, which is the official keeper of court records.

Work includes a new $3.8 million case-management system that will incorporate the operations of the county's circuit court clerk, state's attorney, public defender offices and the 19th judicial circuit. The system, which is expected to be operating in 2021, will allow those offices to share data and improve access for the public.

All records are being digitized, which will eliminate physical storage space for paper copies, save time to access documents and allow for remote assistance. The office has adopted the state's e-Filing for civil filings and established an online payment program.

Rodriguez, a Republican, is a former Marine Corps officer and owns a law firm. She wants to: improve transparency on the office's website; make the working environment more positive; and help marginalized people better navigate the court system.

Weinstein's leadership on technology improvements is important. The projects will improve efficiency and flexibility to meet the needs of the offices and allow residents to access data and documents from their homes and offices. She is endorsed.