BY STACI WILSON
SUE EDDLESTON
Susquehanna County Clerk of Courts found herself in front of the judge Thursday after closing her office with a note posted on the door Wednesday morning.
A note on the office door Wednesday said the office would be closed for three days – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – due to a “staff shortage” and “training.”
Clerk of Courts’ attorney Michael Gathany said in court Thursday afternoon, that following a consultation with Eddleston, she had decided to open the office and that it would remain open.
A Writ of Mandamus – a court filing used to compel an elected official to fulfill their elected duties – filed against Clerk of Courts Susan Eddleston by Susquehanna County District Attorney Robert Klein on Wednesday, was ultimately dismissed by Susquehanna County President Judge Jason Legg, because she did open the office on Thursday.
In court, Klein said, “It is an extreme measure for an extreme set of
This note was posted on the Clerk of Courts office Wednesday at the Susquehanna County Courthouse, with the intention of closing the office three days last week.
circumstances.”
Judge Legg had some stern words for the elected official – reminding Eddleston of the constitutional as well as statutory obligations of the office.
The Clerk of Courts office, Legg said, was in fact, “an extension of this court” and noted that the elected official had no discretion in performing the mandated duties.
Legg said he was concerned that the closing of the office “brings into question the integrity of the court.”
The judge also noted that the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) opened the office on Wednesday and was able to file all that needed to be done. AOPC was conducting the staff training in that office last week.
Earlier this year, the Salary Board eliminated a Second Deputy position in the Clerk of Courts office. Prior to the elimination of that position, the board had also moved fine collections from the office to a position in the probation department.
Eddleston had argued against doing away with the position.
Following the hearing, Commissioner Alan Hall said going to court was a step that needed to be taken. He said Eddleston’s move to close the office could have opened the county up to legal suits.
Hall said that compared to other similar counties, the salary board felt the staffing was adequate. He also said the county’s offer to cross-train employees in the Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary officers was declined.
“All taxpayers ask for is for an elected official to do her job,” Hall said.
Klein said the matter was brought to his attention after the note was posted on the door, closing the office for three days.
The district attorney noted the importance of time and date stamping on all legal filings.
“We’re here to do the right thing,” he said, “and to make sure people’s rights are protected.”
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