Citizens to Retain Patricia Terry – County Clerk
PMB 128
26910 92nd Ave NW Ste C-5
Stanwood WA 98292
360-387-7523
360-387-2573 fax
patriciaterry4countyclerk@gmail.com

Patricia Terry Takes Responsibility Seriously

Priority Issues

The work of the County Clerk is to facilitate a number of processes that support the judicial branch of government. In order for the new County Clerk to be effective, he/she must:

1. Be fully independent and free of any potential conflicts of interest;
2. Be in constant dialogue with the State Auditor’s Office in order to be proactive in resolving the system issues that have been cited in recent audits;
3. Be a tireless advocate for Island County by conducting the department’s business in a way that portrays competent and honest government at its best.

Based on the above criteria, Patricia Terry identifies the following administrative priorities for both her current appointment and for the years that follow once elected to a four-year term:

1. Focus on performance;
   
   
2. Improved fiscal management and cash-handling practices;
   
   
3. Reforms that improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

In progress:

Since taking office in 2009, the above priorities are already taking center stage. For example:

1. Patricia arranged for a performance audit of the department by inviting members of the Washington State Association of County Clerks (WSACC) to Island County. This in-depth evaluation identified a number of deficiencies in current practices, has served as the basis for a number of reforms in office procedures, and for zero cost to the county;
   
   
2. Cash-handling procedures have been revised to improve accountability. Additionally, new fees are being imposed on defendants as part of an in-house collection program. This will add revenue to the department and improve the effectiveness of the program that ensures crime victims are paid for their losses;
   
   
3. Staff assignments have been changed to increase individual accountability and improve overall performance of mandated tasks. Periodic reports of office reforms and their outcomes are being provided in public hearings with the Board of Island County Commissioners. The above mentioned performance audit by WSACC is on file at the Island County Clerk's office and is available via a public records request.