Why I am running for Recorder/Surveyor

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•          To protect original historical documents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.