Primary: Register of Deeds

Updated

KENOSHA NEWS STAFF

Four candidates — two Democrats and two Republicans — are vying to succeed retiring Kenosha County Register of Deeds Louise Principe.

Voters in Tuesday’s primary may select one Democrat or one Republican.

The top finisher from both parties will advance to the Nov. 6 general election.

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. To find your polling place, call your local municipal clerk’s office or search by your address at http://co.kenosha.wi.us/countyclerk/wheretovote.phtml.

Paula Blise

(Democrat)

-- Address -- 1300 37th Court, Kenosha

-- Age -- 57

-- Education -- Bachelor’s in business administration, Carthage College; master’s of business administration, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

-- Occupation -- City of Kenosha zoning coordinator

-- Experience in public office -- None

What do you feel qualifies you for the position of register of deeds?

This lead position requires strong leadership, management and customer service skills. I hold a master’s degree in business administration from UW-Whitewater. With over 33 years of government experience, I have expertise in project management, supervision and implementing procedures which have enhanced customer service levels. I am proficient in interpreting statutes and local ordinances, with a proven track record of implementing cost-cutting, time-saving initiatives that have benefited our citizens.

These qualifications are essential to ensure that this office is run like a business, ensuring that your tax dollars and mine are put to the most efficient use.

Describe any innovations or improvements that you would like to bring to the register of deeds’ office.

It is my intent to implement the following improvements:

1 -- One-Call Resource Center: A one-stop information and assistance office to make access to government easier and more responsive to needs of all residents, businesses and visitors.

2 -- Property Fraud Alert System: An automated service in which property owners can have their name monitored so as to track possible fraudulent activity associated with their land records.

3 -- Government Customer Service Survey in order to give citizens, employees, and others an opportunity to provide input relative to the strengths and weaknesses in our current level of internal and external customer service.

4 -- Provide on-line access to Subdivision/Neighborhood Covenants.

Why is the register of deeds’ office important to Kenosha County residents?

Vital records and land documents affect all segments of the community, and it is the register of deeds’ responsibility to accurately record, maintain and provide access to those documents. Citizens and businesses rely on this office to provide the highest level of customer service, in order to meet their business or personal needs in a timely manner. In addition, the register of deeds with insight can be influential to our state leaders to recognize and influence needed change in procedures/policies. I am confident that I can and will serve the needs of the people with integrity and dependability in this capacity.

JoEllyn Storz

(Democrat)

-- Address -- 2414 23rd Ave., Kenosha

-- Age -- 57

-- Education -- Attended the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Carthage College and Barat College

-- Occupation -- Deputy register of deeds

-- Experience in public office -- None

What do you feel qualifies you for the position of register of deeds?

I can offer voters my dedication and 17 years of experience in managing the day-to-day operations of the register of deeds’ office. I understand the value of an office that works together to achieve a common goal. Everything that we do is authorized by state statute. Having completed the paralegal certification program through Carthage College helps me to understand the requirements of the Legislature and be sure that our office is in compliance. I have a background in the private sector which includes working in mortgage banking and insurance. I currently hold a Wisconsin real estate broker’s license.

Describe any innovations or improvements that you would like to bring to the register of deeds’ office.

I have already requested in our budget for 2013 a software program known as ID Protect. What this program does is notify property owners whenever a document has been recorded against their specific parcel. Another project we are working on is converting our records on microfilm into a digital format. We can enhance the copy of the record and at the same time redact any Social Security numbers on the document. New innovations in technology make our office more efficient. The efficiencies we have already implemented help to keep personnel costs down which reduce the burden on the taxpayer.

Why is the register of deeds’ office important to Kenosha County residents?

The most important thing the office does is record documents. This public record enables you to buy and sell real estate, to borrow money to purchase your home; it allows investors to develop our community knowing exactly who owns the property in question. This public record helps bring the dream of private property ownership to many individuals. This is our American Dream, and it would not be possible without an accurate and efficient land records management system. The office files vital records including all births, deaths and marriages. These records are “vital” to your identity and need to be protected.

Mary Matson

(Republican)

-- Address -- 8550 122nd St., Pleasant Prairie

-- Age -- 61

-- Education -- Graduate of the College of Lake County

-- Occupation -- Former medical office and accounts manager

-- Experience in public office -- None

What do you feel qualifies you for the position of register of deeds?

I have boundless enthusiasm for the position of register of deeds. My experience in staff management, record keeping and networking will ensure the continued success of the office under my leadership. I will work tirelessly to fulfill the needs of property owners in Kenosha County by protecting their greatest investment, their home.

I am running because the register of deeds is a role that offers an opportunity to serve and protect the interests of every property owner in Kenosha County. I will bring a fresh perspective to the office and the county administration team. I would be honored to be elected.

Describe any innovations or improvements that you would like to bring to the register of deeds’ office.

The technological needs of the register of deeds’ office are going to continually change. It is imperative that we are ready to implement those changes keeping pace with the requests of all future users of the registry.

I would like to research and develop Landcestry for the users of Kenosha County. It will be a research tool useful to home sellers, Realtors and history buffs. I will promote this as a free service in addition to Landshark if viable and approved.

I also envision a dashboard product for individuals to track their personal vital records and deeds. This product would interact securely with our office database.

Why is the register of deeds’ office important to Kenosha County residents?

It is important to our residents for all the historical reasons. Integrity of records is the cornerstone of trust. I intend to carry on the current best practices of the office and move forward enthusiastically serving the Kenosha County residents with their future electronic needs.

This election itself is also a great opportunity to address the political divide we are experiencing. I am confident that I can easily bring a fresh conservative perspective to the Kenosha County administration team. My election will bring a nice balance to the exclusively Democratic leadership because of the politically innocuous nature of the office.

Deborah Vos

(Republican)

-- Address -- 6411 347th Ave., Wheatland

-- Age -- 54

-- Education -- Central High School graduate; professional judicial assistant certificate, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education; court clerk seminar certificate, Supreme Court of Wisconsin Office of Judicial Education

-- Occupation -- Treasurer, court clerk and deputy clerk for the town of Wheatland

-- Experience in public office -- Wheatland treasurer, 1997-present

What do you feel qualifies you for the position of register of deeds?

The key to public service is treating every constituent with care and respect and serving with integrity. I have a proven track record in service to the town of Wheatland and intend to continue by serving all of Kenosha County as the duly elected register of deeds. I’m a lifelong resident of the county and have served in local government for over 15 years as the treasurer, court clerk and deputy clerk of the town of Wheatland. Through coursework, I’ve earned multiple professional certificates including judicial assistant, court clerk, and municipal treasurer and clerk. I look forward to serving you.

Describe any innovations or improvements that you would like to bring to the register of deeds’ office.

Customer service is a dying art. Interfacing with government can be confusing or intimidating. Initially, I’ll work to ensure each person is treated fairly, all questions are answered with patience and understanding and each constituent has an enjoyable customer experience. During the first six months, I’ll conduct a comprehensive assessment of the office and work with employees and constituents to identify key areas for improvement. Listening, learning, and collaborating are critical for implementing innovative, sustainable improvements. My door will be open to all who wish to provide input and help improve our service and, as a result, their experience.

Why is the register of deeds office important to Kenosha County residents?

Everyone is likely to interact either directly or indirectly with the office. Legal documents are filed for a multitude of life events — marriage, property purchase and financing, home improvement, divorce, wills, power of attorney, etc. Because these events can be stressful, it is important for the register of deeds to help residents through the filing process and ensure that the interaction with the office is positive and professional. We all work hard to improve our lives and those of our loved ones and we want to know that our documents and important papers are treated like gold.