Nicole Prater: 2024 candidate for DuPage County Recorder
Bio
Party: Republican
Office Sought: DuPage County Reporter
City: Warrenville
Age: 41
Occupation: Winfield Township Supervisor
Previous offices held: Winfield Township Clerk, Warrenville Park District Commissioner, Winfield Township Precinct Committeeman
Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?
I run for Recorder to serve my community. I believe in service before self, integrity first and excellence in everything one does, key pillars for a public servant. The Recorder's Office should better inform the public about Property Fraud Alert services as well as the Veteran Honors Program to best attain the fullest benefits of the Recorder's office.
If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the office and what would your priority be?
I bring vast knowledge as a USAF Veteran, as a Warrenville Park District Commissioner for 8 years, as the Winfield Township Supervisor and Clerk for the past eight years as well as a property manager. I understand the Recorder's mission, its budget and working within its parameters. This is a fee-based office, so I want to operate efficiently while following fee structures set for the Recorder’s office.
One priority is to heighten community awareness of Recorder Office programs like the Veterans' Honors Program and the Property Fraud Alert program, which is free for all.
Describe your position regarding the allocation of resources in the recorder of deeds office. Are personnel allocated as they should be? Are there capital expenses or other budgetary items that the office must address, and, if so, how do you propose to address them?
The 2024 budget for the Recorder of Deeds office has been determined. On Day One I will perform an audit and inventory of all assets. I will seek and hire a consultant whose expertise is on Illinois Recorder office's policies, procedures, and staffing, reviewing recommendations on current staffing. Once I have a clear picture, I will eliminate all excess and remedy any deficiencies. If more funds are necessary, I will approach the County Board for funds. I would have this accomplished in my first 30 days.
Name one concrete program you’ll create or personnel move you’ll make to improve efficiency in the office or make it more successful. Explain how it will be funded and how you will overcome any obstacles to initiating it.
A solid program is the Property Fraud Alert Service which is already in place, but needs to be advertised more to the public. I can see doing this via social media, working with the 9 Township assessors, and revamping the County website for better visibility and accessibility on the home page.
Describe your position on transparency in the office and the ease of access to records by the public. If you believe improvements are needed, what are they and how would you go about achieving them?
I believe strongly in transparency and will follow the law via FOIA compliance. I also believe these practices are currently being followed in the Recorder’s Office. If anything needs to be improved, I will address it in office. I will work to make all performance measures of the highest standard in Illinois.