Lin Quenzer Announces Run for Clerk of the District Court

By Lin Quenzer

On February 28th, I announced my candidacy for Clerk of the District Court for Lancaster County. As Ombudsman for the City of Lincoln, I have the experience and leadership qualities to level the playing field for everyone when accessing the courts. Starting in 2005, working in partnership with other governmental agencies and institutions, I led development of one of the first online resources for residents to report City law violations directly to departments. I have led the evolution of the system, getting input from staff to create easy accessibility for users in app form, saving time and resources for City government. As Clerk of the District Court, I will bring this expertise to bear, helping users to understand and successfully use the District Court’s e-filing system.

I know governmental institutions can be intimidating. People often find themselves unable to access needed services or information. As Ombudsman, I have extensive experience helping community members navigate municipal codes to make City government services accessible to average people. I will bring my experience to help ensure equitable access to all services provided by the Clerk of the District Court and assure knowledgeable and dedicated staff are available to make sense of the halls of justice in Lancaster County.

An essential function of the Clerk’s office is ensuring readily available information for families who need to know their children’s support is coming. This is key to keeping families healthy and safe. The Clerk of the District Court notifies people when they need to appear for court proceedings or respond to summons. Knowing how to get to these records and gain access to the courts must be clear and easy for all. I know how to ensure interacting with the courts is understandable and effective. Collaborating with officers of the court, I and the Clerk’s Office staff will prioritize operational efficiencies. Based on my previous experience, I will develop a user-friendly website with in-person services available to make the Clerk of the District Court’s office adaptable to future needs for the people of Lancaster County.

I have been City Ombudsman for 23 years under six administrations. I serve on the board of directors for the United States Ombudsman Association, have served on the Joining Our United Resources for Native Youth Board of Directors, Open Harvest Food Co-op Board of Directors, The Salvation Army Advisory Board, past Rules Committee member and Chair of the LGBT Caucus of the Nebraska Democratic Party, past LGBT Liaison for the City, and I served my community and nation as an VISTA/AmeriCorps volunteer at Lincoln Literacy. I am also the principal pastor at Sacred Winds Native American Mission UMC, where I have served since 2014. I graduated summa cum laude holding a BA in English and a minor in Humanities from the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Nebraska, with additional course work from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Women’s Studies and from Northern State University, Aberdeen, South Dakota, in Music. Together for 34 years with my wife Barbara Baier, Lincoln Board of Education member, we have one son, Robert, age 22.