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Babette Holder Youngberg: Candidate profile, DuPage County Recorder

Babette Holder Youngberg is a Republican candidate for DuPage County Recorder.

Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?

A: I am running for recorder because property ownership and protection of property ownership are significant to me; it has a historical significance for my family and me, which one is of the achievements in civil rights acts in fair housing practices. Protecting property rights and having the honor to serve ALL in DuPage County would be an honor. As a former Realtor, I understand the documents and instruments used to transfer property ownership legally. Fraud protection is also one of my top priorities. Deed fraud has become one of the largest white collar crimes today, and I believe the residents of DuPage County deserve every option available to protect one of their most valued possessions, their property.

Q: 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 board and what would your priority be?

A: I want to bring more awareness to the programs that the recorder's office offers, such as the Honors Program for Veterans and the Mortgage Fraud Alert system. More communications to the county residents as well as collaboration with homeownership organizations in the county.

Q: Describe your position regarding the allocation of resources in the recorder of deeds' office. Are personnel allocated as they should be? Are there capital expense or other budgetary items that the office must address, and, if so, how do you propose to address them?

A: The 2021 budget for the recorder of deeds office has been determined, but if there is any need for any personnel allocation in the office, the document storage fund will be used first for funding and any other expenses as those funds are fee generated. I would prefer not to have to increase GIS funds from taxpayers.

Q: 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: I want to increase the awareness of the services that the recorder of deeds offers by establishing relationships with licensed organizations that work with homeowners, property buyers, and veterans throughout the county. Organizations that would welcome the recorder's participation in educating homebuyers and property owners, and veterans on the services available to them. This type of collaboration would be of no-cost except for personal time, but a very beneficial communications program, and the opportunity to partner with some of the great programs in DuPage that educate, advocate, and protect property owners. I also want to maintain and enhance, if needed, the mortgage fraud alert program.

Q. 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?

A: I will maintain as mandated by law and by the well-established practices already at the Recorder of Deeds office for transparency and FOIA compliance. I believe that there could be more communications coming from the recorder's office regarding processes and programs that are available and the ease of access to the record, research, and view most documents. I believe in transparency and full accountability to the residents of DuPage County.

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