Veteran, newcomer vie for prothonotary
The theme in the race for Washington County prothonotary in Tuesday’s general election is office efficiency.
Washington County Assistant Deputy Prothonotary Joy Schury Ranko, a Democrat, is seeking her first term as prothonotary, and has 13 years of experience in the office. She has been the deputy for 11 years to Prothonotary Phyllis Ranko Matheny, who is retiring.
Her opponent, Republican David D. Tennent III believes an outside perspective will be beneficial to the office as it moves to a more automated system.
“The (prothonotary’s) website needs improved upon,” Tennent said. “It needs to allow more to be done.”
He also wants to improve the office’s customer service abilities.
“I don’t want the average person to walk in and feel overwhelmed,” he said. “I’m very good at community service and would like to give back to the community. I have a good understanding of how the process works.”
Ranko said all of the documents from 2001 to present have been scanned. She said the office is waiting for information technology issues outside of its control to be rectified so that the automation of the office can progress.
“It is a work in progress. With my understanding of procedure and knowledge of the computer system, I can work with the (courthouse’s) IT department to help make automation process possible,” Ranko said.
She also plans to add passport applications as a service offered by the office.
Tennent said he was unable to comment further on his efforts if elected because he “wants to wait, get in there and see how things work before making changes.”
Ranko said her experience is key in moving the office forward.
“My experience will enable me to keep this office operating in the current friendly and efficient manner, she said. “I started as a clerk, and I understand all the duties it takes to keep this office running. The taxpayers deserve nothing less.”