For the first time since 1994, Democrat Janet Robert, incumbent Cape Girardeau County recorder of deeds, is facing a challenger for her position in the general election. Republican Scott R. Clark, catalog supervisor at J.C. Penney, said he is running to bring his educational background and energy to the office.

"I have a master's degree in public administration," Clark said. "I have an interest in records management, because that is what I did my thesis on, and a love and understanding that local government plays an important role in our lives every single day. I bring energy and drive."

Clark said he also has a bachelor's degree in accounting, which allows him to understand the finance and the budgeting of the office.

Since the beginning of his campaign, Clark has said he would like to integrate more technology into the office. Part of that would be a website that allows for the searching and printing of documents.

The recorder's office now has that option online, and Clark said while he does not have all the specifics, he supports anything that provides more accessibility, as long as it does not take money away from the office.

Janet Robert

"If we make it a free-for-all, then there's the potential of that loss of revenue," he said. "I would not be opposed to a subscription that's about comparable to you going into the office and getting a paper copy, but you can do it at your convenience."

Robert said the current website does charge for searching for and printing documents.

"If you are someone who is going to be searching a lot, you can pay a certain fee. If it's just a one-time hit, there's a fee. You can print your document right there," she said.

Robert said her office also uses new software programs to stay current with recording technology.

Her office is working with the developer of their software to help create a program that will eventually be used by recorders across the country.

"If there is something we find that isn't useful, or something we think that could make it better, we can work with the software developers. If they think it is something that would help the other recorders, they'll incorporate that into their next upgrade," she said. "That's really a unique project to be involved in. We're the second county in Missouri to be installed. When we were installed, and we've had it for a year now, there were only 12 in the United States."

While most county residents have little interaction with the recorder's office, Robert and Clark say it performs a vital role.

"It is to record and preserve all the records," Robert said. "A lot of people think if they have their deed filed here, their land records, that makes it all legal, but that's not really the case."

Any question arising about the legality of a deed, lien, etc., is decided by the courts, not the recorder's office, she said, but knowing the integrity of the records has not been compromised is critical.

Clark said while the office does not have jurisdiction over legal issues, the recorder should help as much as possible whenever a question does arise.

"You need a recorder of deeds that is going to be willing to say 'All right, what can I do to help you? What do you need me to do to solve your problem? Even though I didn't cause your problem, what needs to be done to fix your problem? What can I help do on my side?'" he said.

Clark said while he has never used the recorder's office, he has talked to other people who have and they have said the office is not always easy to navigate. He said he would bring a strong customer service background to the position.

Robert said her 33 years of experience in the office is hard to match, especially for someone without much history working in the office.

She said she has the personality it takes to work with the various customers who visit the office every day. During her tenure in office, she said, she has also developed good relationships with other county office holders and employees.

Clark said despite Robert's experience, it is time for a change and with his educational and professional background, he thinks he would be a good recorder.

"We've got to have a transition eventually, and this year voters have the opportunity to choose their transition," he said.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-8600

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