Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Iris Martinez speaking to reporters after giving her “State of the Clerk’s Office” address on Wednesday, the anniversary of her swearing-in. [Don Vincent/The Daily Line]

Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Iris Martinez highlighted a rush of hew hiring reforms and the installation of a new in-office watchdog in a public address on Wednesday, saying she has “transformed” the office in the year since her controversial predecessor retired. She also hit back against critics who say her efforts at transparency fall short of what she promised.