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Suncoast Pasco News

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O'Neil More Experienced

THE SUNCOAST NEWS

Published: August 16, 2008

There are two well-known names running in the Republican primary to be the Pasco Clerk of Circuit Court. Both Paula O'Neil and Dan Tipton have shown their desire to replace Jed Pittman, who is stepping down after more than 30 years of public service.

O'Neil has done so by serving for more than five years under the guidance of Pittman. Since 2006 she has served as chief deputy clerk, which is no small task considering her boss has been an infrequent visitor to the office for the last several months because of poor health. Tipton, the former mayor of New Port Richey and owner of a home-remodeling business, has gone as far as volunteering one-day a week at the Levy County clerk's office to get a better understanding of what the job of clerk of the court entails. That is commendable commitment.

In an office with responsibilities ranging from recording official documents and court records to conducting audits and collecting fines, however, more experience is needed.

Under O'Neil's guidance the clerk's office has slowly transformed from its antiquated ways to an easier-to-use, state-of-the-art system. She spearheaded the transfer of more than 9 million pages of official documents online. The office was the fourth in the state to accept electronic court filings. Motorists who receive traffic citations can pay their fines online. Online court docket searches are available, not to mention an automated telephone system that handles more than 180,000 calls a year.

While Tipton should be commended for the changes he brought about at City Hall as mayor, the many challenges of the clerk's court office are not a responsibility for someone lacking hands-on experience.

With more than 20 years of government experience she has positioned herself to seamlessly take the reins from Pittman. The Suncoast News recommends Paula O'Neil for Pasco clerk of the circuit court in the GOP primary.

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