Candidates outline plans for recorder's office

Two Democrats, one the incumbent, are vying for the party's nomination for Cook County Recorder of Deeds. The present recorder, Eugene "Gene" Moore of Maywood is facing 28th Ward Ald. Ed H. Smith, Chicago. Candidates were asked to complete a Q&A; some excerpts from their answers are given below.

Q. Incumbents, describe your main contributions and tell us of important initiatives you've led. Challengers, tell us what contributions you would make.

Moore: Automation of the office. During my tenure we have converted microfilm and paper documents to digital format. These documents are accessible via the Internet and in-office computer terminal. We have deterred fraudulent conveyances of property through our Notice Program. We notify all grantors of quitclaim deeds upon their filing in our office. The card notifies the grantor of the quitclaim deed filing and instructs them on steps to take if they did not personally convey their property. This program has been a deterrence to fraud, especially as it pertains to senior citizens.

Smith: When I was first elected in 1983 to 28th Ward Alderman, my first challenge was to clear out the Syndicate, which until then had controlled the West Side. Along with my supporters, we created a real constituent service operation, worked to control crime in the ward and spread the word -- we will assist anyone. Your vote is not necessary. Since then I have continued to work against corruption and waste, unequal treatment by the police, and in 2005 I helped pass the Chicago smoking ban. As Cook County Recorder of Deeds, I plan to continue fighting against corruption and waste and will use this countywide office as a platform to shine sunlight in all the dark corners of Cook County Government -- whether they be in the recorder's office or not.

Q. What would your priorities be in budget requests for this office, particularly in light of ongoing county budget issues?

Moore: In addition to labor and operating expenses, automation would be my priority. I believe it imperative that we continue our automation program. As we continue to automate the office, we streamline operations and service. Labor will be reduced through attrition, and through automation reduce our budget request.

Smith: I do not believe the recorder should need additional operational funds, but could actually be an engine for higher revenues for the county. The centerpiece for accomplishing this is outlined in my answer 1-A. Converting the archives from paper-based to data-based would require higher capital expenditures -- specifically for the cost of transferring data into electronic form. But because these expenditures would go to creating new revenue lines for the county, I would seek to pay for them through issuing bonds linked to the new revenues or through a public-private partnership with title companies and large real estate ventures.

Q. Can this office's service to the public be improved? If so, how?

Moore: In any business, public or private, there is always room for improvement. I am particularly concerned about serving the public efficiently. I want every citizen that comes in the Cook County Recorder's Office to have a great experience. Where we once carried around cash, we now carry debit cards. I would like to see electronic signatures used as we now use debit cards -- of course this would have to come from the State Legislature. Citizens could then file documents electronically and affix their electronic signature from the convenience of their home or office.

Smith: Most definitely. At best, the current recorder's office is a vision-less public body that merely shuffles paper. At its worst, the recorder's office is a patronage job basement warehouse that escapes the spotlight of public scrutiny because it is considered too low profile to matter. Simply comparing the accomplishments and operations of the recorder's office to other elected offices in Cook County reveals a tremendous achievement gap. The County Treasurer, Assessor and Clerk have all implemented employee cross-training programs to reduce necessary head counts -- and to assist each other during periods of heavy workload. Each office has focused on customer service and now maintain up-to-date Web sites. The assessor has added automatic property-owner notification systems when property values change. And visits to each of the offices in the County Building reveal an immediately noticeable difference: employees for the treasurer, assessor and clerk seem to care about service, while employees in the recorder's office are distant and disinterested.