Sylvester cites experience, Kvello promises change in circuit clerk's office

Adrienne Kvello (left) and Kyle Sylvester
Adrienne Kvello (left) and Kyle Sylvester

FAYETTEVILLE -- Incumbent Washington County Circuit Clerk Kyle Sylvester, a Republican, touted his experience in the office while challenger Adrienne Kvello, a Democrat, called for change from the top down as the two faced off in a candidate forum Tuesday evening at the Fayetteville Public Library.

The primary duties of the office involve filing, docketing, attending court, issuing notices, managing records and reporting to the state Administrative Office of the Courts, according to the county website.

Sylvester said he has worked to create a more transparent and accessible office. He was first elected in 2012 and has served three two-year terms. In that time, Sylvester said he has made access to public documents free, implemented the state's electronic filing system for criminal and civil filing and electronic juror notification, streamlined the process for getting orders of protection and redacted more than a million documents and put them online. Those changes have also saved the county money, he said.

"We want to be the best. We want to set the standard across the state. I feel like we have done that on many different levels," Sylvester said. "We collaborate with many other circuit clerks around the state looking at ways we can improve services all the way around for our citizens, and that's really the most important thing, how can we be better for everyone else."

Kvello, an attorney, said she's interested in improving access to justice for those who are not familiar with the legal system or can't afford an attorney. Kvello said she doesn't think people are getting the help they need from the clerk's staff, and she'd like to hire a full-time attorney to help people navigate the office.

"Access to justice is going to be my major initiative," Kvello said. "I would love to either hire someone to be that liaison as a full-time attorney or increase partnerships with legal aid groups so that we can have someone there basically all the time that can help pro se litigants because I think they're sort of getting the raw end of the deal right now."

Kvello said 60 percent of people in civil cases and 90 percent of those in family law cases don't have an attorney.

"They are there alone. So, what this means is that more often than not it is individuals who are coming in contact with the circuit clerk's office rather than attorneys," Kvello said. "But, the office is not really being well-managed with that reality in mind."

Kevllo said the efficiencies that have been created by e-filing it might make it possible to hire a full-time attorney that can assist people and act as a liaison without going over budget.

The candidates also were asked about party affiliation and whether that matters in an office like that of the circuit clerk.

"I don't think the party has anything to do with it," Sylvester said. "I'm obligated to provide the best service possible to whomever comes in my office and, really, I believe that these offices should not be partisan whatsoever. My obligation as circuit clerk is to be there for everybody regardless of race, religious background, whatever they believe. It doesn't matter."

Kvello said she believes Democrats, based on their values, are better suited to helping people.

"I have always believed that a society is judged by how we treat the least among us, and I believe that the least among us are not being treated that well in the circuit clerk's office right now," Kvello said. "I believe Democrats, based on their entire platform of being committed to helping those who are under-served and under-privileged are in a better position through their core values to put that into place."

The circuit clerk earns $109,447 a year. The salary is based partly on Sylvester's length of service and state law.

Sylvester, 49, lives in Johnson. Sylvester spent 22 years in law enforcement, including 17 years as a supervisor. He graduated from Elkins High School and attended the University of Arkansas and John Brown University.

Kvello, 40, grew up in Fayetteville and moved back to the area four years ago. Kvello graduated from Georgetown University and earned her law degree from the University of Houston. This is Kvello's first foray into politics.

The election is Nov. 6. Early voting begins Oct. 22.

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Sylvester

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Kvello

NW News on 10/10/2018

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