Dennis Ahearn Wants To Bring Clerk's Office 'Into the 21st Century'

Candidate supplied profile:

Dennis Ahearn grew up in an Army family, one of six children. He learned early the importance of discipline, hard work, and commitment to achieving goals. He has been a resident of Virginia since 1976, graduating from law school in 1977.  He was a trial lawyer in Northern Virginia and moved his practice to Fredericksburg in 1995.

Dennis has a Ph.B. from Pontificia Universitas Gregoriana, Roma, Italia, and a J.D. from Catholic University of America.  He is a member of the Fredericksburg Area Bar Association (President, 2004); Virginia State Bar; Virginia Trial Lawyers Association; and the District of Columbia Bar (inactive). He has served on the boards of directors of a number of community nonprofits, and is currently serving as President of Board of Directors of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg. He and his wife of 38 years, Ann, have three grown children and three grandchildren. His hobbies are gardening and cooking.

As an attorney for 34 years, Dennis has utilized the services of Clerks of Court and their staffs in many jurisdictions in Virginia and in the District of Columbia.  As managing partner of law firms for 16 years, he introduced or expanded computer data and information management systems.  He has been responsible for hiring, training, and supervising professional and administrative personnel.

Dennis envisions bringing the office of the Clerk into the 21st century. His experience in personnel and office management, computer and information technology, and rigorous fiscal management, make Dennis uniquely suited to serve the city as the next Clerk of Court. Increasing the efficiency of the Clerk’s office with modern digital and optical systems and well-trained deputy clerks will enable the Clerk to provide more personal service to the public and other city agencies.

The office of the Clerk of Court not only serves judges and attorneys. It belongs to the people. Dennis knows the importance of client service. Whether a person wants to get a marriage license, pay a fine, apply for reinstatement of a driver’s license, or get a copy of a deed, the staff of the clerk’s office must be prompt, courteous, and knowledgeable 100 percent of the time.

Dennis Ahearn's Official Campaign Website

Question 1: The Circuit Court Clerk's Office is woefully behind in technology. What ideas do you have to bring the clerk's office into the 21st Century so it is more digital friendly?

At present the Office of the Clerk does not use all of the information and data management services available through the Supreme Court of Virginia. I will implement those systems. The office does not have its own website. I will develop one which, in addition to providing information about the office, will provide access to legal forms, research sites, and our archived records. I will provide secure remote access with digital certification to the court’s public records (a fee for service by a third party vendor).

Question 2: Do you have any plans to increase the hours that the clerk's office is open?

 I will expand the hours back to 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday

Question 3: How do you plan to improve customer service in the Circuit Court Clerk's office?

 I will facilitate a culture of excellence and service within the office through training, supervision, example, and zero tolerance for less than the best service. I will personally provide competent and compassionate assistance to executors and administrators throughout the probate process. If funding can be obtained, I will expand the reception area and provide tables and chairs where people can sit to complete forms.

Question 4: Have you ever had any Freedom of Information Act training or do you plan to take any training in the FOIA act laws?

During my 34 years of practicing law I have filed many state and federal FOIA requests. The Virginia State Library offers a comprehensive training course on state FOIA practice. I and several of my deputy clerks would attend the course.

Question 5: What do you think will be the most significant change that you want to make if elected?

The office of the clerk of court belongs to the people. The staff of the office must be prompt, courteous, and knowledgeable 100 percent of the time. I will make that happen.