This article is part of the 2025 General Election Voters' Guide produced in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Akron Area.
Katie Reed
Nonpartisan
Previous public office: Barberton Municipal Clerk of Court
Education: Kent State University, Bachelors in Business Administration
Campaign email address: Electkatiereed@gmail.com
Campaign phone: 330-701-2223
Website: electkatiereed.com
Training/experience: Nearly 7 years of Municipal Court experience
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
As the incumbent Clerk of Courts, I bring nearly 7 years of court experience—starting at Akron Municipal Court and over 5 years in the Barberton Clerk’s office. I’ve implemented critical physical and tech-based security upgrades, launched a more user-friendly website and docket system, and secured a new payment processor with lower credit card fees to ease costs for the public. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, which helps me bring a focus on efficiency, budgeting, and strategic planning. I’ve used that background to modernize operations and improve customer service. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, but there’s more work ahead. I remain committed to transparency, innovation, and serving our community.
What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?
One of my top priorities is protecting the sensitive information held by the Clerk of Court’s office. We manage a large volume of confidential records, and ensuring their security—both digitally and physically—remains a critical responsibility that I take seriously.
Another major focus is the continued digitization of records. We have already scanned and digitized a large portion of our files, making them more accessible and secure. This not only streamlines operations but also protects important documents from potential damage caused by natural disasters. With the City of Barberton planning renovations to the building, it’s essential that we continue this work to reduce our reliance on physical storage and improve overall efficiency.
Finally, I am committed to staying current with advancements in technology. By keeping the office modern and responsive to new tools and systems, we can enhance service, reduce costs, and better serve the public and legal community.
What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?
Many of these initiatives are already in progress, but they require ongoing attention and investment. We secured a grant from the Ohio Supreme Court to upgrade our systems, with a strong emphasis on modernization and technology. These improvements will allow the court to operate more smoothly, reduce wait times, and improve overall service to the public. My approach is to build on this momentum by continually evaluating our processes, embracing innovation, and ensuring the office remains responsive, efficient, and accessible to everyone we serve.
Matt Shaughnessy
Nonpartisan
Campaign phone: 330-907-5038
Campaign email address: mr.matthewshaughnessy@gmail.com
Previous public office: Green City Council
Education: University of Akron School of Law
Website: www.mattforclerk.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I’m the only candidate with both frontline public service and legal experience. As a retired firefighter, I understand what it means to treat every call with urgency and compassion, because for the person calling, it’s often their worst day. That same mindset belongs in the Clerk’s office.
As an attorney, I know firsthand how important it is for court records and filings to be handled accurately and without delay. I’ve seen the difference an efficient, responsive Clerk’s office makes for citizens, lawyers, and law enforcement. My background in law and public service gives me a unique ability to modernize the office while keeping the focus on serving people, not bureaucracy.
What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?
1. Employee Retention and Morale: End the high turnover rate by creating a positive, respectful work environment where employees feel valued.
2. Modernization and Accessibility: Bring the Clerk’s office up to date with technology that allows online payments and filings, so people can handle routine matters without missing work or waiting in line.
3. Customer Service and Transparency: Make sure everyone who interacts with the court is treated with professionalism, respect, and clarity. The public deserves to understand how their court works, and they deserve consistent, quality service.
What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?
Listen to People: I’ll begin by meeting with every staff member to understand what’s working and what’s not. Retaining good employees starts with listening to them and involving them in solutions.
Update Systems: I’ll work with the judges and IT professionals to implement secure, user-friendly online options for payments and filings. Other courts have already proven that this reduces errors, improves collection rates, and saves taxpayers money.
Create Clear Standards: I’ll develop service benchmarks and training so that every person who walks through the door — whether they’re a lawyer, a victim, or a defendant — receives the same timely, respectful treatment.
Lead by Example: I’ve led people in crisis situations as a firefighter, guided policy as a councilman, and managed staff as an attorney. I’ll bring that same steady leadership to the Clerk’s office every day.
