PERRY CIRCUIT CLERK FACES GOP CHALLENGE

PERRYVILLE -- A 10-year incumbent and the manager of a Perryville title company are squaring off for the Republican nomination for Perry County circuit clerk and recorder of deeds.

Incumbent Donna Guemmer and challenger Becky Paulus are competing in one of two contested races on the Perry County ballot for the Aug. 4 primary.

The other race is for the Republican nomination for presiding commissioner. Five candidates hope to win the nomination in that race.

All of the local races will be decided in the primary election. At the county level, no Democrats have filed for office in Perry County.

Guemmer, 48, is seeking her third full term as circuit clerk and ex officio recorder of deeds. She has held the office for 10 years and was originally appointed to fill a two-year unexpired term.

She said her experience in office makes her the best candidate for the job.

In addition to experience in office, she also undergoes continued training to keep up with state-mandated changes.

Guemmer is currently working with the county historical society to preserve old court records dating to 1821.

During her tenure, the recorder's office has become automated, and all marriage licenses, land transactions and financial statements are now on computer.

She is also working with the Missouri Court Automation Committee, which will allow counties to use laser imaging to transfer and download court documents over the Internet.

Guemmer and her husband, Gerald, have one daughter.

Paulus, 44, is making her first foray into politics.

She said her experience as the manager of Perry County Title and Abstract Co. has given her "knowledge and experience" concerning records, which is necessary to run the circuit clerk and recorder's office.

"The demands of both the court system and the real estate records of a county are crucial," Paulus said. "Perry County is progressing rapidly with a booming economy, real estate market and industrial base, all of which rely heavily on the circuit clerk and recorder of deeds. As this progression continues, so will the need for accuracy, efficiency and, above all, courtesy in this office. I have established a reputation in this office for providing this type of service."

If elected, her goals include creating a "more professional and courteous atmosphere" in the office and to find a way to process records more efficiently.

Paulus and her husband, Mick, have two sons.

Perry County incumbents running unopposed for re-election, all Republicans, are Associate Circuit Judge Michael J. Bullerdieck, County Clerk Randy Taylor, Treasurer Veronica Hershey, Prosecuting Attorney Thomas L. Hoeh and Collector Rodney J. Richardet.