Governor addresses concerns over court cutbacks

Governor Tom Vilsack says closing some state court offices may be the only alternative as the Iowa Supreme Court’s Chief Justice tries to find ways to save money. He says it’s a tentative plan and the Chief Justice is looking for input.The Chief Justice proposes consolidating Clerk of Court offices in 28 counties. Vilsack says that doesn’t necessarily mean Iowans will find it more difficult to access court services.Vilsack practiced law in Mount Pleasant before he became Governor, and doesn’t expect the reorganization plan to dramatically affect small-town lawyers like himself.Vilsack says consolidated offices and electronic access might end up saving lawyers time as they won’t have to physically go to courthouses in each county when filing papers.