Endorsement: Vanderventer for Lake County recorder of deeds

The Lake County recorder of deeds is not a high profile post, but it is very important. the office is the main record keeper for the county and is responsible for keeping public records secure.

This election pits Robert Haraden, a dentist and research engineer from Libertyville, against 20-year incumbent Mary Ellen Vanderventer of Waukegan.

Vanderventer takes a great deal of pride in the way the office balances technology and customer service.

Haraden, a lifelong resident of Lake County, is a director and treasurer on the Lake and McHenry County Soil and Water Conservation board and has a dental practice in Woodstock. Haraden would like to see the recorder's office combined with the county clerk.

Vanderventer is not opposed to studying such consolidation, but points out that not one duty in the recorder's office is duplicated by any other office. We like the idea of consolidating the offices and hope she's sincere about encouraging the study. In any case, she has the best background and experience for managing the office's duties.

Vanderventer is endorsed.