Oakland County, August 21, 2007 -- A Peruvian congressional leader and the president of a university in the South American country met with Ruth Johnson, Clerk/Register of Deeds, and Chief Circuit Judge Wendy Potts this week.

"The technology was very sophisticated," said Congressman Juan David Perry Cruz, speaking through an interpreter. "Ruth is a great person, smart and humble, the kind of leader that is needed. We enjoyed our visit immensely."

Perry was joined by Dr. Gloria Charca, president of Andina University in Cuzco, Peru. The two were part of a group exploring trade and educational opportunities between the two countries, said Dr. Jose Aliaga, president of Aliaga Development and Consulting in Clarkston. Aliaga, a Peruvian native, is also leading local relief efforts for victims of the earthquake that struck Pisco, Peru.

The group toured the Clerk/Register of Deeds Office and saw a demonstration of new optical-scan voting equipment. Carey Ellen Ferris, an office assistant in the Clerk's Office who is fluent in Spanish, interpreted for the group. Congressman Cruz and Dr. Charca also met with Chief Circuit Judge Wendy Potts.

 "We were thrilled that Senator Cruz and Dr. Charca were able to visit," said Potts, who gave the delegation a quick lesson in the Michigan court system and a tour of her courtroom. "We were happy to share the improvements we've made, including our new efiling project."

The group has also visited Wayne State University and Oakland Community College. Aliaga said efforts are being made in light of a free trade agreement between Peru and the United States that is expected to be approved in November of this year.

The fundraiser to raise money for earthquake victims in Peru will be held from 4-10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25 at Laurel Manor, 39000 Schoolcraft Road in Livonia. Tickets are $50 per person or $75 per couple. For information or tickets, please call (248) 736-7163 or (248) 736-7183. Checks should be made payable to the CDS Foundation.