To the Editor:
In the April Election an important ballot measure will be presented to the citizens of Perry County for funding construction of a Joint Justice Center as “Prop COPS.” As your Circuit Clerk, I am highly in favor of this effort.
Our Courthouse is the pride and face of our community. It offers a beautiful background to many events but the practicality of it is not what we need for a fully functioning courthouse. I feel that it is often forgotten that we are conducting court business which is not pretty or happy in most situations.
After I began office in January 2019, I was quickly made aware of the lack of security our courts offer to visitors and staff. While staff works together to help keep everyone safe, the lack of a dedicated deputy to screen people entering the building at all times and to monitor tense situations makes conducting court business unsafe.
Jennifer Hotop,
Perry County Circuit Clerk