The two Republican candidates for Cape Girardeau County Recorder of Deeds thought about seeking the office before because of their related experience in other jobs.

Both Cheryl Stoffregen of Cape Girardeau and Darlene Bonney of Jackson concluded that 1994 was the time to run.

Stoffregen and Bonney are focusing on their experience in the campaign for the GOP nomination Aug. 2. The winner will face incumbent Democrat Janet Robert in the November general election.

"When I worked with Heritage and First Federal Savings and Loans I processed loan applications and prepared warranty deeds and deeds of trust for recording," said Bonney. "At that time I thought some day I would like to do this. Several people suggested to me that I run this year, and the more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea."

Bonney has 25 years experience in banking and works at Boatmen's Bank in Jackson as a customer service associate. She will leave that job at the end of the month to devote all of her time to her campaign.

Said Stoffregen,"I looked at running for this job before and I know it is a job I can do well and will enjoy doing. I found that I like to campaign."

Stoffregen works at the parts department counter at Bangert Ford in Jackson. Before that she worked eight years as office manager at Rushing Marine, helped manage Cape Cycle, and worked for Ryder Student Transportation System as a driver, trainer and assistant to the safety coordinator.

In her campaign, Stoffregen is stressing her variety of experience in office management and record keeping.

"I have dealt with titles, deeds and various legal documents," Stoffregen said. "I have 17 years experience in office management, bookkeeping, filing records and legal documents, and I have designed and maintained computer records."

Bonney said she believes "it's time for a change. I would like to see the recorder's office do things in a more timely manner. Some people have told me the turnaround time in the office is slow and they want more customer-friendly service.

"I'm a community-minded person, I love people and feel like I can do a quality job of customer service."

If elected, Bonney said she would update computers and other equipment to insure the office is modernized and able to serve customers efficiently and quickly.

Stoffregen said she would also work to "improve the efficiency and turnaround time on documents that are recorded. I will work full time and do what it takes to meet deadlines and get the job done efficiently."

Stoffregen said her variety of work experience sets her apart from the other candidates. "I have had experience in all phases of management and record keeping," she said. "Most of my jobs have also entailed customer service. I enjoy working with people."

Bonney presents herself in campaign literature as someone with "the energy and ability to get the job done." Bonney contends she has the right background to be recorder.

"I feel like my experience in the banking and savings and loan business as a person working in customer service has value. I feel like I have an edge in customer service experience, as well as preparation of documents for recording," said Bonney.

Bonney was born and raised on a farm at Pocahontas and is married to Don Bonney. They lived in different places during his 20 year career in the Air Force before moving to Jackson in 1976. They have four grown children: Cynthia Lichtenegger and Mark, Kevin, and David Bonney, and three granddaughters.

Bonney has been active in St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, was a member of the Cape Girardeau Business and Professional Women, has been active in various community fundraising events, and was involved in school, Scouting, and sports activities with her children.

Stoffregen said if elected, she will work full time to run a sound office.

"I view this as a full-time job, not just an elected office. I feel that my strongest qualifications are dedication and dependability, coupled with the experience to run the office efficiently," Stoffregen said.

She is a lifelong resident of Cape County and a graduate of Central High School. She and her husband, Frank, have two daughters: Amy 13, and Jessica 11. Stoffregen has been active in Girl Scouts and is a former member of Law Enforcement Wives.