Circuit Clerk Frank to Retire, Endorses Former Legislator Winkel

There will be a new Circuit Court Clerk in Champaign County in 2013.

Linda Frank has not only announced her retirement from the office after next year, but is endorsing former Republican state legislator Rick Winkel for the job. Since leaving the legislature in 2007, he has been a faculty member with the University of Illinois' Institute of Government and Public Affairs.

Winkel said he likes public service more, and wants to use his experience as an attorney and legislator to operate the clerk's office during tight financial times.

"Along the way, I've learned quite a lot about technology, and how to apply it to government solutions," Winkel said. "This is like every place. County government is having a budget problem, and it's revenues are down, having to cut back on expenditures. We're going to have to figure out new and innovative ways to use technology to become much more efficient and effective."

Winkel served in the Illinois House from 1995 to 2003, and in the Senate from 2003 to 2007. Frank will have been in office 21 years at the end of next year. Frank decided to retire about a week ago. She said one of her main goals has been realized - operating a paperless courthouse:

"Now all the files have been digitally scanned," Frank said. "We have the option of sending those to the courtroom now. It will be up to the judges to decide now whether they want to pursue that or not. But it is available."

Winkel said he expects to have primary competition. Republican Champaign County Board member Stephanie Holderfield announced plans earlier this year to run for circuit clerk. Frank said she isn't sure of her plans after leaving office, but says there are 'endless possibilities' for her at the end of 2012.