Meet Manitowoc County clerk of court candidates April Higgins and Lynn Zigmunt, who are facing off in the Nov. 8 election.
MANITOWOC - Lynn Zigmunt and April Higgins are competing for the Manitowoc County clerk of court position in the Nov. 8 election.
Incumbent Zigmunt, who is running as a Democrat, has held the position since 2005.
Higgins is registered as a Republican.
The clerk of court holds a four-year term and is responsible for record keeping, jury management, court finances and other administrative duties to keep the courts running smoothly, according to the Wisconsin Court System website.
The Herald Times Reporter asked both candidates to fill out a questionnaire before the election explaining why they are running and their positions on issues. Some responses were edited for clarity and brevity.
For information about registering to vote and polling locations, visit the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov/en-us.
April Higgins
Age: 44
Occupation: Deputy court clerk
Highest education level: Associate degree, paralegal
Relevant experience: I have worked as a paralegal in both private practice and in the District Attorney’s Office. I have been a deputy court clerk with Manitowoc County for the past almost nine years. I started as a counter clerk and I have held the family clerk position, civil clerk position and juvenile clerk position, as well as filled in for the criminal and traffic unit.
Lynn Zigmunt
Age: 62
Occupation: Clerk of circuit court
Highest education level: Lincoln High School graduate
Relevant experience: I am honored and privileged to have served as Manitowoc County clerk of circuit court since January 2005. I am in my 18th year, and fifth term in office. Prior to taking this position, I was a legal assistant with Kummer, Lambert, Fox & Glandt for 21 years, so I have a strong legal background and managerial experience. I supervise and manage a staff of 18. During my time in office, we have implemented a very comprehensive collection process utilizing State Debt Collection through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, which has increased our collection revenue tremendously. Since 2014, we have transitioned from paper to electronic filing, resulting in major efficiencies across the board. I have also created and personally manage a very well developed website to help provide in-depth information, forms, links and contact information for court-related personnel. This is a very valuable resource for the public, as well as a tool utilized by my staff to help guide assistance by telephone. It provides a method for collecting and relaying accurate, consistent and uniform court-related information, as well as a means to help users navigate the court system.
Why are you running for this office?
Higgins: I believe with my extensive background, especially in this office, I can bring a lot to this position, as well as some ideas on how to bring in revenue and save this office some money.
Zigmunt: I am seeking a sixth term in office to continue providing Manitowoc County with the high level of customer service that they deserve. I take pride in hiring competent and qualified staff who work to be neutral and impartial. It really makes a difference when people care about the work they do and the services they provide.
Why are you the best candidate in this race?
Higgins: I can perform all the tasks in this office and we should have a hands-on, “working” clerk of court that can pitch in when needed. I also have some new and exciting ideas to move this office forward.
Zigmunt: Our office is currently faced with staffing challenges as a result of the retirement of two long-term criminal clerks at the end of September, as well as adding a fourth circuit court judge next year. I feel I offer stability to the court system with my ability to stay calm and focused, as well as collaborating effectively to achieve a positive outcome that benefits everyone involved.
Contact Alisa Schafer at aschafer@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @AlisaMSchafer.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc County 2022 election: Clerk of court candidates on issues
