Kathleen Carrier: Candidate profile, DuPage County Recorder
Kathleen Carrier is a Democratic 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: The recorder of deeds office/position is that of oversight administration. I believe I have the skill set and work experience to carry out the required duties. I am motivated by a desire to be involved in public service, to give back to the community.
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: Should I be elected, I will bring a 15-year career in the residential building industry to the department. I have practical working knowledge having completed several classes in the building industry as well as real estate classes and training. I have a bachelor's degree in management from National-Louis University. With my extensive hands-on work experience, coupled with my educational background, I believe I would make the best fit for this position.
One of my priorities would be to explore the creation of intergovernmental relationships, as well as, agencies through DuPage County to better serve the residents of DuPage County. Make sure excellent customer service is achieved and maintained. And increase our visibility to the public through better communication and outreach.
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: Overall, the recorder's office is regarded as efficient. Until hands-on knowledge of said resources is achieved, "positions" regarding the allocation of resources are only speculative. The questions you are asking can only be answered once real-time experience is attained.
Of course, opportunities for improvements always exist. My intention is to work with the personnel already in place. Many have worked in the recorder office for several years, working every day, on the front line with the residents/customers.
As the pandemic has shut down so many of the revenue-generating functions of the county, ALL departments will need to address their budgetary items. The recorder of deeds office is one of the offices/departments that actually generates money for the county. However, I understand the need to tighten the budget. But, it must be done without affecting services.
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: As stated above, the recorder's office is efficient. However, there is always room for improvement. Also, as stated above, until I have achieved hand-on knowledge, I will not speculate. I would like to explore potential ways to assist senior citizens and veterans so their experience with the recorder's office is one that exceeds their expectations. And I would like to see this for all customers. Additionally, obstacles are overcome with productive dialogue, and the give and take of ideas.
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: Transparency is paramount. If someone is permitted to review the information/record, there should be an ease of access to obtain the information. Currently, in DuPage County, the recorder's website gives one access to request said information. As technology advances, revisions to the request portal should advance. This can be achieved by having an open ear for listening to the customers and a good working relationship with your IT department's personnel.