Rock Island Today

Standing up for what she believes is right comes naturally to Brandi McGuire-Madunic.

That’s why McGuire-Madunic, a Republican, is running for Rock Island County circuit clerk, challenging Democratic incumbent Tammy Weikert, who has worked in the office for more than 21 years and was appointed clerk in 2015. She was elected to a full four-year term in 2016.

The circuit clerk, with a base salary of $91,800, records all traffic, civil and criminal cases filed and heard in the county, collects and disburses court fines, fees and child support and keeps a record of all court proceedings. It has an annual budget of than $1.8 million.

The office has been hit hard by the pandemic, and Weikert cited a dramatic decline in revenue for her decision to pay off 15 deputy clerks in May. The county also dropped two legal assistants in the state’s attorney’s office.

After those belt-tightening moves, the county raised eyebrows when it planned to offer pay raises to department heads. The officials, including Weikert, turned down the raises after they were reported.

McGuire-Madunic states on her website she is running to provide accountability to taxpayers, “hard-working employees” and unions, while being an advocate for the staff and the public. She also vows to provide transparency on taxpayer dollars.

“When I heard how the clerks were being treated during the most recent layoffs, I had to jump in and give voters a choice,” McGuire-Madunic told Rock Island Today. “When a school district treated my daughter and her service dog unfairly, I challenged them. I feel these clerks were treated unfairly and deserve a new leader."

“I pledge to create a workplace that is a productive and empowering atmosphere,” she said. “I pledge to secure our historical records and to be a full time clerk. I will bring accountability, transparency and compassion to the circuit clerk’s office.”

McGuire-Madunic said she has a good background for the position.

“I am excited about the opportunity to be a good steward of the taxpayers’ money by becoming Rock Island County’s circuit clerk,” she said. “In my past, I was a legal assistant and I am currently a legal editor for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. More importantly, I have several years experience with managing a fully-staffed office.”

McGuire-Madunic first made headlines in 2014 when she sued the Sherrard School District, saying it had unfairly prevented her epileptic daughter from bringing Jasper, her service dog, to class. That was a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, she alleged.

She founded Ribbons for Kellsey, named for her daughter. After a legal battle, the school district offered a $95,587.63 settlement, with $73,500 in legal fees, $15,267 for unspecified damages and $6,820.63 for tuition and mileage at Rock Island’s Jordan Catholic School.

Ribbons for Kellsey still exists.

“It is our mission to increase awareness and provide HOPE — Helping Other People with Epilepsy in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities,” its website states.

After her battle with the school district, she remained in the spotlight. In 2016, under the name Brandi McGuire, she ran for the District 27 seat in the Illinois House of Representatives.

McGuire defeated Jordan Thoms in the Republican primary but lost to Democratic candidate Mike Halpin.

This is her second bid for public office and she is gratified by the reception.

“So far, I have received so much grassroots support from the community. It’s so great seeing people come together for a common goal,” she said. “Everyone has their own political beliefs, but one thing we all agree on is what a great place Rock Island County is to live in.”