Q&A with Wegman
1. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what? What will be your main priority?
As you can see by visiting the recorder's Web site at www.kanecountyrecorder.net, I believe in free and easy access to land records which are public. My main priority and motivation is to ensure that documents are correctly and timely recorded and that this free and open access continues so that I can provide the best services to the users of the office.
2. For incumbents and non-incumbents. If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.
Initiatives which I have led include: free online access to land records (only collar county to allow this); electronic recordings; working with three vendors while other counties are working with only one; along with staff, helped to design and implement new state-of-the-art recording software which is nonproprietary, web-based and we own the source code. As a result of this innovative technology, this software is now being implemented in other counties; instantaneous return of many documents recorded at the counter; consistently under budget, returning money to the taxpayers, reduced head count from 31 to 19 and reduced space needs, returning much needed space back to the county.
3. Has the dramatic rise in foreclosures put a greater burden on the recorder's office? Does this necessitate changes within the office?
While there has been a large number of foreclosures in the county, this does not overly burden the recorder's office as our role is solely to record the documents. What is burdening the recorder's office is the lack of growth resulting in lack of revenue. However, when the downturn was first realized, I took pro-active measures including the reduction of head count from 31 to 19. I am also in the process of consolidating our services, reducing spatial needs and making access to our services more convenient.
4. What challenges does the recorder's office currently face? How should they be addressed? What challenges do you see affecting the recorder's office in the next four years?
Current and future challenges for the recorder's office include budgetary cuts as revenue declines. Since I have been in office, the office has always come in under budget and, under my leadership, it always will. These challenges have already been addressed with the reduction of head count and space. As to future challenges, in addition to budget, I believe that keeping up with technology as it is constantly evolving and ensuring that the technology implemented enhances our services and not just being implemented for the sake of implementing technology
5. What would you do to improve the effectiveness of the position?
While I believe the office is effective, there is always room for improvement. I am constantly working to make more information available online, such as tract books, PTAXs, etc. We have added a Social Security Number redaction request form at our Web site, which allows the user to fill out the form and have their Social Security Number redacted; we currently have back files available online through 1987, my goal is to increase the depth of these documents so that more research can be done from home or office and less trips need to be made to the recorder's office. I am also in the process of developing a PIN database so that queries can be done on PINs. Customer service is a top priority in the office and we try to do whatever we can to make visiting the recorder's office or Web site easier and a pleasant experience.
6. Please list the names of all relatives employed by or involved in contracts with Kane County, their relationship to you and their position or area of business.
None.