GANT News conducted a questionnaire with the two candidates for the office of Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts in Clearfield County.
Curtis James Campman is seeking election, and below are his responses to a series of 10 questions.
- Provide a brief biography and background.
Curtis James Campman is the son of retired high school civics teacher and coach Forrest Campman and his wife, a local business woman, Colleen Campman. He is a life-long resident of Clearfield Borough.
Campman graduated from the Clearfield Area High School as an advanced placement college prep student before attending Penn State Dubois majoring in history.
Campman returned home to help with day-to-day operations at his family’s business, Jim’s Sports Center, in downtown Clearfield and to coach football, basketball and baseball at the Clearfield Area Junior-Senior High School.
While in college, Campman became familiar with the daily routines and interactions at the Clearfield County Courthouse while interning in the Adult Probation Department.
Campman is a member of numerous clubs and organizations throughout the state, including the Central Pennsylvania Football Coaches Association, the Pennsylvania State Football Coaches Association and the Pennsylvania State Basketball Coaches Association.
Campman is also a member of the Clearfield Elks B.P.O.E. No. 540, Son’s and Daughter’s of Italy Due Palme No. 189 and the Morann Citizens Club.
Campman is very active in volunteering with the community. He has spent time as a volunteer with the Clearfield Pee Wee Football Program, Clearfield Youth Baseball Association, The High Country Arts & Crafts Festival, numerous spaghetti dinners and fundraisers throughout Clearfield County.
- Why did you choose to run for the office of Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts?
Numerous reasons led me to choose to run for Clearfield County Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts. I’d have to say the top two reasons were because I love Clearfield County and want to always see done what is best for the citizens who live in it. The other reason would be encouragement to run from many well-respected individuals within Clearfield County.
- What qualifies you to hold the office of Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts?
One of the main duties of a Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts is to maintain the records, which are filed in within Clearfield County. In my years of coaching and business, maintaining and organizing detailed records has been part of my daily routine and is something I’m very comfortable and knowledgeable in.
Also, being a public servant it is important to be available to the residents of Clearfield County and be able to communicate with them in a friendly and professional manner while building a trusting relationship with the community.
My many years as an employee at my family’s store have allowed me to practice each of those things and have allowed me to build said relationships with hundreds of people throughout the county.
- What is the most important aspect of this position, and how can you ensure you meet all the requirements?
I believe the most important aspect of the position is being able to handle the administrative duties within the office of the Prothonotary. My time spent as a coach and businessman has given me the opportunity to be put in an administrative position on a daily basis. I feel comfortable being able to delegate power to those around me to help achieve the important tasks at hand.
As any job though, the most important aspect is work ethic. I am not one to ever miss work and often work through lunch breaks and past business hours. I take pride in my work whether it is helping a customer find the perfect gift for someone or watching a former player I spent countless unpaid hours with walk across the stage at graduation as a top 10 member of their class.
- What do you think makes you the better candidate for Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts in Clearfield County?
It is not for me to say what makes someone “better.” My personal beliefs and values do not allow me to place someone above another individual. That being said, I believe in teamwork to achieve goals and in my opinion, it is something we are lacking at all levels right now. I will allow the voters of Clearfield County to decide which candidate is most suited for the position. Hopefully my personal track record of hard work, dedication, willingness to learn and adapt and looking out for the well-being of the Clearfield County resident will speak for itself.
- If you are elected, what plan do you have to maintain records?
Initially, I would seek the guidance of former Prothonotary/ Clerk of Courts Bill Shaw Sr. on what he felt was the best way to perform the county’s record keeping from his numerous successful terms as the Prothonotary of Clearfield County.
After that I would search for new innovative ways to increase the proficiency of the office and slowly phase in those procedures without overwhelming those employed within it.
I would also extend an invite to those within the legal community to offer their opinion on how they would like to see things done. Once again teamwork is the key to achieving success at any level.
- If you are elected, how would you ensure records last into the future?
Recently I spoke with a local abstractor who travels throughout Pennsylvania and has researched many records within different county courthouses. One thing he pointed out to me is the extensive use of digitally cataloged records within different counties where you are able to research and find records as far back to the early 1900’s. I would like to bring that same safety to the records of Clearfield County where we have both the original “hard copy” and the newly-entered “digital copies” to ensure that the records may be accessible at all times and protected.
- If you are elected, what would you make your priority in the upcoming term of office?
My top priority would be establishing a basis of teamwork between the Prothonotary’s office, District Attorney’s office, County Judges, Magisterial Judges, Public and Private Law Practices, Law Enforcement, County Commissioners and the citizens of Clearfield County. I would be doing so while maintaining what is best for the residents and taxpayers of Clearfield County.
My next priority would be to begin the process of digitizing all records kept within the county to ensure that they will be accessible to those in need of them for years to come.
- What is the greatest challenge facing the office of Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts in Clearfield County? How would you overcome it?
I feel currently the greatest challenge facing the office is the lack of communication and teamwork between the Prothonotary’s office, District Attorney’s office, County Judges, Magisterial Judges, Public and Private Law Practices, Law Enforcement, County Commissioners and the citizens of Clearfield County.
I would try my best to overcome it by having an “open door” policy where I can be reached at all times, even outside of office hours through e-mail or social media. My job would not be an 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday job. As an elected Civil Servant, I would be available to the citizens of Clearfield County at all times.
- What would you like voters to consider before they make their final choice for Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts?
First and foremost, I would like the Clearfield County voter to consider what the best option for the county is. I believe municipal elections should not be about Democrat versus Republican, but rather who has the best interest of the county at heart.
I know at all times serving the Clearfield County resident in the best way possible will always be my top priority. I believe if I am elected, with the help of the District Attorney’s office, County Judges, Magisterial Judges, Public and Private Law Practices, Law Enforcement, County Commissioners and the citizens of Clearfield County, we can have one of the most proficient Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts offices in the state of Pennsylvania.
I am reminded of a quote by former President Harry S. Truman: “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” I am not running for this office seeking attention or gratitude, but only to do what is best for Clearfield County.
Curtis James Campman for Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts 2017: “Reaching county-wide goals through teamwork and positivity.”