IMPROVE PUPLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE.

Clark County has the opportunity to become a leader in providing accessible, efficient, and user-friendly court services for all residents. To achieve that goal, I will study successful court systems across Washington State, including King County, which is widely recognized for its self-help resources, court facilitators, and programs that assist self-represented litigants.

As Clark County Clerk, I will identify and implement proven best practices while continuing to seek new and innovative ways to improve public access to the courts. My goal is not simply to meet the highest standards in Washington, but to exceed them. By expanding self-help services, improving access to information, strengthening customer service, and embracing innovation, I will work to make Clark County a model of excellence in court administration and public service.

Clark County will become the most user-friendly courthouse in Washington State by creating a modern Self-Help Center, expanding volunteer attorney and paralegal programs, improving online forms and instructions, and ensuring that every resident whether represented by counsel or cannot effectively   access justice.

COURT DISPUTE RESOLUTION INITIATIVE

As Clark County Clerk, I will work to establish a Court Dispute Resolution Center that expands access to justice while improving the efficiency of our courts. Drawing on my experience as the owner of Shapiro Mediation LLC and my professional mediation training, I will pursue partnerships with Dispute Resolution Centers, volunteer attorneys, law schools, and community organizations to provide mediation training and certification. Participants would receive training in exchange for completing volunteer mediation hours, creating a sustainable network of qualified mediators to serve our community.

I support encouraging, and were permitted under court rules, requiring mediation in appropriate family law cases before they proceed to a judge. If a judge believes a dispute can still be resolved through mediation, trained mediators would be available to assist immediately, allowing the judge to continue hearing cases that require judicial decisions. This approach can reduce court congestion, shorten case timelines, lower costs for families, and help preserve relationships whenever possible.

I will also seek state and federal grants to support these initiatives while modernizing public services through instructional videos and online resources that explain court procedures, forms, and filing requirements. By making the court system easier to understand and expanding early dispute resolution, we can improve customer service, increase access to justice, and make the Clark County Courthouse a model for innovation and excellence across Washington State.

EXPANDING ACCESS TO JUSTICE THROUGH ENHANCED SELF-HELP SERVICES

The Clerk's Office serves as the gateway to our court system. While valuable resources already exist, navigating court procedures can be difficult for individuals who cannot afford legal representation or who are unfamiliar with legal processes.

As Clark County Clerk, I will work to strengthen and expand public access to court services by developing a more comprehensive and user friendly Self Help Center. My vision is to create a centralized resource where citizens can obtain procedural guidance, access court-approved forms, understand filing requirements, and be directed to the appropriate court resources.

I will explore partnerships with volunteer attorneys, retired legal professionals, paralegals, law students, and community organizations to provide educational workshops, procedural checklists, and courthouse orientation programs. These resources can help self-represented individuals better understand court procedures and avoid unnecessary delays.

Several Washington counties have successfully implemented enhanced self help and facilitator programs that improve access to justice while reducing confusion and administrative burdens. Clark County has an opportunity to build upon these successful models and create a modern, professional, and accessible support system for court users.

MODERNIZING COURT SERVICES

Citizens expect government services to be efficient, accessible, and responsive. The Clerk's Office should continuously evaluate opportunities to improve public access to information and services through technology while maintaining the security and integrity of court records.

I support reviewing procedures and technology systems to identify ways to reduce wait times, improve communication, simplify access to information, and make court services easier for the public to navigate. Modernization should always be guided by efficiency, accuracy, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. Efficient goverment benefits everyone. By reducing delays and improving access to information, the Clerk's Office can better serve both the public and the courts.

TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND PUBLIC TRUST

The Clerk serves as the official record keeper of the Superior Court. Maintaining accurate records, protecting sensitive information, and ensuring public confidence in the judicial system are among the office's most important responsibilities.

I believe the Clerk's Office should operate with professionalism, transparency, and accountability. Citizens deserve timely responses, accurate information, and confidence that court records are maintained securely and responsibly.

LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY 

A well-run courthouse should operate like a well-managed business. It should run smoothly, efficiently, and consistently, whether the elected Clerk is in the office or not. The Clerk's responsibility is to build strong systems, establish clear procedures, train and empower employees, and create a culture of accountability and excellent customer service. When those systems are in place, the courthouse can continue to operate seamlessly every day because success is built on effective leadership rather than dependence on a single individual. My goal is to create an organization that serves the public with professionalism, efficiency, and reliability, making the Clark County Courthouse a model for excellence throughout Washington State.

A CUSTOMER SERVICE APPROACH TO GOVERNMENT

Many individuals interact with the court system during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. Whether dealing with family law matters, probate proceedings, civil disputes, or other legal issues, every citizen deserves to be treated with courtesy, professionalism, and respect.

The Clerk's Office should be a welcoming and responsive resource that helps people understand procedures, locate information, and access available services. My commitment is to foster a culture of professionalism and public service that places citizens first.

Justice should not depend upon a person's ability to hire an attorney. Every citizen deserves clear information, equal access, and a courthouse that is accessible, responsive, and works for the people of Clark County.

Experience • Integrity • Service • Accessibility 

The Clark County Clerk is a nonpartisan position. Voters are not choosing between political parties; they are choosing the candidate best qualified to perform the duties of the office. The focus should be on experience, competence, integrity, and a demonstrated ability to manage the responsibilities of the Clerk's Office fairly, efficiently, and professionally on behalf of all citizens.

As a mediator and legal professional, I have worked directly with individuals navigating the court system and have firsthand knowledge of the challenges many citizens face when attempting to understand court procedures, complete legal paperwork, and access court services. My goal is to bring practical experience, professionalism, and strong leadership to the Clerk's Office while ensuring that every citizen is treated with dignity and respect.

Friends of Rachel Shapiro P.O. Box 5912 Vancouver, WA 98668