Two vying for county recorder

One candidate is new to the campaign trail. The other is a veteran.
Both are vying for the title of Jay County Recorder.
Newcomer Democrat Kari Tressler will face off against former two-term recorder Betty St. Myers, a Republican. Early voting begins Oct. 7 at Jay County Courthouse, and the general election will be Nov. 4.
Tressler, who works part-time at both The Commercial Review and Arts Place in Portland, earned an associate’s degree in office management from Ivy Tech in Muncie in 2000 and currently resides in Portland.
Also a Portland resident, St. Myers, a Jay County High School graduate, held the office of recorder from 2003 through 2011 after serving as first deputy for nine years.
Both candidates responded to a questionnaire from The Commercial Review. Their answers follow.
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Why did you choose to run for the position?
St. Myers: I choose to run for Jay County Recorder again because I want to continue serving the community and working toward my goals in the recorder’s office. I plan to continue improving the quality and accuracy of the document indexing and imaging systems as well as preserving Jay County history. I want to be a part of making decisions that are in the best interests of current and future Jay County citizens.
Tressler: It is an important position. There are a lot of responsibilities in making sure documents are correct and are filed in a timely manner. I know I can do the job without any difficulty.
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What are the issues that you think are most significant in your role as recorder?St. Myers: The most important issues in the recorder’s office are updating technology and improving recording techniques while staying in accordance with Indiana state laws and being conscious of taxpayers’ dollars. Technology is constantly changing so the recorder has to make the best choices for the county in terms of technology, budget and preservation.
Tressler: Making sure all documents will continue to be recorded properly. That's the most important part. Even the old ones that were previously in written form. Seeing that everything continues to run smoothly.
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Why is the preservation of such records and documents important?
St. Myers: The duty of the recorder is to preserve recorded documents for perpetuity. Real property records are especially important when purchasing or selling real estate to make sure the property has a clear title. Mortgages and other liens and the history of the property are preserved in these records.
Tressler: This is our history. This isn't just what's current, or now. This is what the future generations will see when they try to find a piece of their past. New technology makes this easier to do.
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What makes you best suited or skilled for the position?
St. Myers: My experience in the recorder’s office allows me to help the public locate recorded documents, and I enjoy serving my community. I am knowledgeable about Indiana recording laws and do thorough research when making important decisions regarding technology, budget or office procedures. I remained in good standing with the State Board of Accounts during my previous two terms as recorder. I understand the responsibilities of the position, and I want to provide Jay County citizens with friendly and efficient government service.
Tressler: I am disciplined and hardworking. I have a good work ethic. I have different thoughts, ideas, opinions. My years of management and owning a business and people skills with all walks of life are assets I bring. I also have 20 plus years of computer and office experience that is definitely a plus.