Mary Ellen Vanderventer: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: WaukeganWebsite: http://n/aOffice sought: Lake Recorder of DeedsAge: 57Family: Married to Don for 22 yearsOccupation: Lake County RecorderEducation: Holy Child High School Columbia College, ChicagoCivic involvement: United Way (former board member) St Martin de Porres High School (former board member)Elected offices held: Lake County Recorder since 1996Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Seeking my 5th term, it has been an honor to serve as the Lake County Recorder for the past 16 years.During that time, my office has worked diligently to transform the office into a modern, responsive and friendly operation.We have utilized available technology, while also keeping the old-fashioned traditions of the office alive.We continue to personally answer each and every phone call (no menus or buttons to push!).Customers may do business with us in person, by phone, fax or by using email and the Internet.Protecting our taxpayers' investments is our top priority.Our aggressive campaign against mortgage fraud continues with our daily audit cards.I am proud to say that in 2005, the Lake County Recorder's office was the first office in the state to immediately notify homeowners of a change in ownership, when a Quit Claim Deed is used.The Quit Claim deed is the form most commonly used by the bad guys.Now, when a Quit Claim deed is submitted for recording in Lake County, the next day a post card is mailed to the homeowner alerting them of a title change.Over the years, the response has been phenomenal.The Lake County Recorder's office also spearheaded legislation that was passed in 2006 requiring that all deeds by notarized before they are accepted for recording.We have also installed video cameras at our customer counters.In 2009, we completed a project to redact all Social Security numbers in our library of over 6 million documents.Key Issue 2 No longer a trend, electronic recordings (eRecordings) are now a government priority.In 2011, we electronically recorded over 24,000 documents, which is now nearly 25% of our recordings.eRecordings are seamlessly and instantly recorded, indexed, archived and made available to the public that same day.We have partnered with 2 nationally recognized companies, Simplifile and Ingeo and we look forward to adding another major service provider in early 2012 and will continue to evaluate national trends.Key Issue 3 The Recorder's office has worked hard to 'Go Green!'Electronic recordings, (eRecordings) have eliminated thousands of reams of paper.By simply using email, 90% of our clients now receive 'paperless' statements.In 2011, we also began sending 'paperless' receipts (rather than printing and sending a receipt through the mail).Paperless receipts are faster, free and have saved thousands of dollars in postage!We continue to dialogue with our customers to see how we can expedite services and offer new products.Questions Answers What steps would you take to better communicate the services the office has to offer to the public?For 15 years I have hosted the Lake County Recorder's Cable TV Show entitled "Doing Good Deeds for You."Filmed quarterly, the response has been terrific.Topics have included Reverse Mortgages, Veteran's information and a show dedicated to the most frequently asked questions.If you are not a Comcast subscriber, you may access any of the shows in our Video Library through our website.In 2008, we initiated a monthly email newsletter which is sent to our clients, all local governments and all those interested.We answer questions, clarify new legislation and highlight information for recording and accessing documents.As your Recorder, I am often on the road, speaking at local Rotary meetings, homeowner's associations, municipal township gatherings and senior events.It is this time, with constituents, that I most enjoy!Are there existing services in the office you want to expand? Be specific.The Recorder's office provides many commonly used forms on our website, but they are not inter-active.We are in the process now of working with the Lake County IT Department to be able to complete these forms online and electronically submit them for recording.Are there new services you would like to provide? What are they?We are always open to new ideas and reviewing our business practices.We speak regularly with the major Title Companies and real estate attorneys.We also solicit feedback from our monthly newsletter.How would you fund any expansions or new services'Recording fees collected by our office are set by State Statute.All daily revenue is deposited into the County General Fund; however the Statute provides that $10 from every recording be placed in the Recorder's Automation Fund to specifically improve the capabilities of the office through technology.We are very frugal with this money and always seek County Board approval prior to any project.Do you believe any changes are necessary in the recorder's website so interested parties can more easily look up property information? Please explain.For 16 years we have worked hard to balance the needs of our professional clients and customers, while mindful of our job to protect the privacy of regular citizens.And it's worked!The response to our Online Internet Access has been tremendous, with over 500 companies signing on since we began in 2007.This product is an extension of our office.Professional firms /or businesses take advantage of our user-friendly product, which allows companies access to conduct business with our office 24/7, from the convenience of their office or home.In 2011, we introduced PayPal, which allows subscribers to control their own accounts and payments.The feedback from our clients has been great and the general public appreciates not having their documents put on the Internet for free, and for all to see.Through legislation spearheaded by Lake County, Veteran's paperwork (commonly known as DD214's) have also been protected and removed from the public rolls.We are proud of the Lake County Recorder's website.By using the different links on our website, you are able to access common forms, taxpayer information, tax bill information, see aerial views of property and research the last sale amounts assessed value for specific property.