Why I am
running for Recorder/Surveyor-
When I first
started with the recorders office in 1980 I thought this was just “another
job”. But after helping the public and creating a mapping system this “job”
turned into a passion. After 33 years I have not only seen Weber County grow,
but also the growing interest and use of what we produce at the
Recorder/Surveyors office. The offices were combined to reduce duplication and
save the taxpayers of Weber County. The reasons I am running for this office
are as follows.
- To restructure the budget without an increase to make customer service a top priority
- To have equal representation of both offices
- To have each office work collectively as they are both unique and important
- To protect original historical documents
How
would I make customer service a top priority?
I will
restructure the customer service department to include a currently unfilled
supervisor position which would not increase the budget just restructure within
the current budget. There is currently no trained knowledgeable supervisor for
these employees to go to for help with problems whether they be, a question of
policy, scheduling, or just having the authority to make a decision. The
current status is one of confusion and unrest because of a lack of management
and lack of clear policies/procedures. I will have in-office training, hold
staff meetings, and have supervisors in each department. By doing so, we can be
clear on policies/procedures and making sure customer service is our number one
priority. Also, I would make sure there is someone within the surveying office
at all times. Currently, the office will close randomly without any notice to
the public. This should never happen.
What
would I do differently within the offices?
The office
has become lopsided. Under the current administration the Recorder's office has
no representation when it comes to office policies/procedures and daily
functions. The office currently has an Administration Assistant and a Chief
Deputy, both from the Surveyors Office. I would have two Chief
Deputies, one for the Recorder side, and one for the Surveyor side (that person
would be a licensed Surveyor). This important change can be accomplished
without increasing the budget. The Chief Deputies will have supervisors under
them in each department. I will have weekly meetings with them to make sure we
all share, and strive to accomplish the same goals. Within the Recorder’s
office, I would cross train my employees. When very busy or short handed
in an area, we could work together to accomplish what is needed. With input from the four licensed
Surveyors currently employed as merit
employees, and trusting their experience and training, I will make any improvements
they might recommend. I will not
make the same mistake that Mr. Rowley made when he began making
changes in the Recorder’s policies without ever asking why we did things the
way we did. While Mr. Rowley came to the office with sufficient education and
certification as a Surveyor, his expertise and experience in the Recorder’s
Office was limited to the application of the Recorder’s information in the
field of Surveying. Very soon after Mr. Rowley took over the duties
of Recorder/Surveyor he began making changes to many established and proven policies
in the Recorder’s Office. While these changes may have made sense to him from
his perspective of Surveyor, the changes created problems in the Assessor’s
Office, the Treasurer’s Office, and the Clerk/ Auditor’s Office.
How
will I manage the budget?
First and
foremost, I recognize that these offices are funded by taxpayer dollars. I can
assure you that I will keep a transparent and balanced budget. I will reduce
spending while not sacrificing our service to the public and fellow county
employees. Mr. Rowley has neglected to replace many of the positions in the
Recorder’s Office. At the same time, he
has increased the number of employees
and the budget approximately 70% on the Surveyor’s side of the office. While
Mr. Rowley may try to “spin” not hiring as a savings, any savings has been at
the expense of taxpayer service.
Is
my vision different than the current Recorder/Surveyor?
My goal is
not to combine the functions of the two offices, because they are both unique
and important, but to have two teams working cohesively together to
better serve the taxpayers of Weber County. I will dedicate myself each day (just
like I have for 33 years). Unlike
Mr. Rowley, I have no ambitions or agendas beyond serving as the Weber County
Recorder/Surveyor.
