Margaret DiFrank is hoping the third time is the charm.
DiFrank is trying to unseat Patti Noland for the the clerk of the Superior Court, something she tried to do in 2002 and 2006 as well.
The clerk of the Superior Court maintains the official records of the court and exhibits for court proceedings. The clerk is also responsible for processing lawsuits, marriage licenses, passports and child-support cases.
DiFrank worked for Noland for nine months in 1999 overseeing human resources and child-support functions. She worked in the Pima County Attorney's Office for 13 years, but now contracts with the county and private individuals to research criminal defendant's backgrounds as a mitigation specialist.
If elected, DiFrank said, she would seek legal counsel to determine what should happen to the contracts she and two business partners have with the county.
DiFrank accuses Noland of political patronage and says Noland has repeatedly failed to live up to her promise to make public records available online.
Over the years, DiFrank said Noland has created administrative positions for people who have supported her politically and given them huge raises. She also says Noland's budget has increased despite the fact her staff has decreased and Noland's office is bringing in less money despite an increase in staff in that unit.
"I think the public could be getting a bigger bang for the buck," DiFrank said. "I'm all about transparency, professional development and hiring qualified people in a competitive process."
Lastly, DiFrank said Noland has indicated she intends to retire within the next four years, meaning she wouldn't finish out her term.
Noland said if she's re-elected she has every intention of finishing her term.
"The job still interests me and I still have more to do," Noland said. "I learn something new every day and there are new challenges every day."
Noland disputes DiFrank's allegations, noting she has fewer administrative positions than when she was first elected and her budget is nearly $1 million less than it was just two years ago.
"I've done a good job efficiently and effectively and I care about the public," Noland said.
Certain classes of employees received a salary adjustment in 2006 based on a market study, but because the Pima County of Board of Supervisors did not approve the increase, the money came out of her existing budget, Noland said.
To make sure those people were adequately compensated, Noland said she herself took over an administrative position, allowing approximately $70,000 to be freed up. Much of the other money came through attrition, she said.
As for collections, Noland said, "We take in more money every year than the year before, even in these hard economic times."
The online records issue is in the hands of the Arizona Supreme Court, which is currently working on other projects, Noland said.
Patricia A. 'Patti' Noland
Party: Republican
Age: 64
Occupation: Clerk of the Superior Court.
Education: Associate of Arts - Business, Fort Steilacoom Community College, Wash.
Past elected public offices: State senator four years, state representative four years
Civic activities: Elks, Arizona Women's Political Caucus
Top endorsements: None
Top priority: Complete court e-filing and access to electronic records.
Phone number: 520-792-4899
Margaret DiFrank
Party: Democrat
Age: 58
Occupation: Mitigation specialist
Education: Bachelor's degree, Liberal Arts, University of Arizona; master's degree, Public Service Management, DePaul University, Chicago
Past elected public offices: None
Civic Activities: None currently
Top endorsements: None
Top priority: Give voters a transparent clerk; willing to serve full term
Phone number: 520-299-0573
Contact reporter Kim Smith at 573-4241or kimsmith@azstarnet.com