DuPage voters to pick new leadership for recorder's office

With incumbent Fred Bucholz retiring, DuPage County voters will pick a new recorder of deeds for the county.

Democratic candidate Kathleen Carrier of Carol Stream and Republican candidate Babette Holder Youngberg of Wheaton are vying for that position. Both can be considered outsiders because neither have previously worked in the recorder's office, which is responsible for maintaining and indexing the county's land records.

Still, Carrier and Youngberg say they're qualified for the job.

Carrier cited her 15-year career in the residential building industry and a bachelor's degree in management from National-Louis University as part of her qualifications.

"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," Carrier said in her candidate questionnaire. "And increase our visibility to the public through better communication and outreach."

Youngberg, who has been endorsed by Bucholz, credits her past work as a licensed real estate property manager with a construction background as part of her qualifications to be the recorder.

"Protecting property rights and having the honor to serve all in DuPage County would be an honor," Youngberg said in her candidate questionnaire.

For Youngberg, increasing community outreach so residents understand what services are available through the recorder's office is a priority. So is establishing relationships with licensed organizations that work with homeowners, property buyers and veterans throughout the county.

Earlier this year, the county board floated and then abandoned a referendum question that proposed eliminating the position of recorder and merging its office with county clerk. Both Carrier and Youngberg said they would abide with the will of voters should the referendum question be revived for a future election.