Greene County Clerk of Courts
Cyndi Pauwels (D) |
Aj Williams (R) |
Bio: I was born and raised in Ohio, and I have dedicated my life to community service. With nearly 20 years’ experience in criminal justice and the courts, and more in the non-profit sector, I understand the importance of equal access and fair treatment. I was a Police Explorer in high school. I’ve served as a police and fire dispatcher for many years including in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when my husband was stationed at F.E. Warren AFB. I’ve booked female prisoners, accompanied on transports, and assisted in the jail. As in-house deputy court clerk, I certified affidavits and reports. I’ve worked with juvenile court to help children in trouble get their lives back on track. And I spent more than six years as a deputy clerk handling appeals and the criminal caseload in federal court. I’m tech-savvy, and know the efficient, secure use of technology is key to running any department effectively. My several day jobs include college adjunct, Assistant Director of the Antioch Writers’ Workshop, freelance author and editor, and working at a local independent bookstore. My husband of 40 years and I reside in Yellow Springs. We have two grown children, one grandson, two dogs, and eight chickens. |
Bio: I come from a family of five children and was raised in Beavercreek. We all attended St. Helen Elementary and Carroll High School. I went on to the University of Dayton and received a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, as well as, a Master's Degree in Public Administration. I have worked for the Dayton Civil Mediation Center, The Ohio Secretary of State, and the Greene County Recorder's Office. My wife Leah and I reside in Yellow Springs where I serve on the Village Planning Commission. |
What are your top priorities for this position? Accessibility. The legal system can be intimidating, and knowing where to turn for help can be difficult. I’ve spent almost 20 years serving the criminal justice system, so I know the administrative case flow needed to ensure fair and speedy access to justice at all levels; and 2) Trust. Right or wrong, the courts – criminal and civil – have gained a reputation of selective justice. Too often it seems that if you have the money, you can make bond and get out of jail. If you have a great lawyer, you can win on a technicality. For the rest of us, with little money and no connections, court can be an overwhelming, intimidating experience. A study by the Ohio Department of Corrections discovered that almost 35% of those in local Ohio jails haven’t been convicted of anything; they simply can’t make a cash bail. We shouldn’t be running debtors’ prisons. By providing fair, equal access from the first moment an individual is involved in a court proceeding, and by offering information and resources to help them deal with the situation effectively, the Clerk’s office can offer a positive first impression, and a less stressful experience, to all Greene County residents. |
What are your top priorities for this position? My top priorities include: Adapting to new technologies as they arise. Providing excellent public service. Operating the most efficient and transparent Clerk's Office possible. |
What makes you the most fit for this position? Experience matters. The court isn’t a business; it’s peoples’ lives, and in many ways, I’ve been training for this position since I was a Police Explorer in high school. I’ve served as a police and fire dispatcher for many years including in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when my husband was stationed at F.E. Warren AFB. I’ve booked female prisoners, accompanied on transports, and assisted in the jail. As in-house deputy court clerk, I certified affidavits and reports. I’ve worked with juvenile court to help children in trouble get their lives back on track. And I spent more than six years as a deputy clerk handling appeals and the criminal caseload in federal court. I bring unparalleled knowledge and experience to the Clerk’s office. |
What makes you the most fit for this position? I believe that my combination of education and career experience makes me an ideal candidate for this position. I have grown up in Greene County and I am truly honored to be a part of its administration. While serving as Chief Deputy to the Greene County Recorder, I was afforded the opportunity to master our County personnel, payroll, budgeting, purchasing, and grant writing systems. I have also cultivated personal and professional relationships with our County Directors and Elected Officials during my years of service. |