Aug. 2014 Election: Cape County Recorder of Deeds

__Name:__ Drew Blattner

__Age:__ 31

__Place of birth:__ Cape Girardeau

__Spouse, children's names:__ Wife Ashley of seven years.

Daughter Ava Grace due 20 days after the election.

__Occupation:__ Archivist

__Employer:__ Cape Girardeau County Archive Center

__Businesses owned, all or part:__ Blattner Properties, LLC and B&B Properties

__Previous offices held or sought:__ None

__How will you evaluate your performance in the office?:__

I will be evaluated by the patrons of the office, many whom have been my patrons at the Archive. I plan on serving the public the same way I have for the the past 6 1/2 years as Assistant Director of the Archive Center. I have never heard of any complaints about the way that I have treated researchers. I plan on putting a priority toward serving the public with greater access to public records.

__What are the most important improvements needed in the office?:__

The biggest improvement needed in the office is to allow easy access to all public records. The recorder is not the owner of the records, they belong to the public. To deny access to any public records is both unethical and unlawful according to the Missouri Sunshine Law. I would also like provide a more friendly environment for all patrons. The elected official is there to serve the public, not to rule over them.

__What do you believe can be done to keep the county fiscally stable?:__

I will not spend lavishly to remodel a perfectly good office just to make it mine. That would be an extravagant waste of the County's revenue. I will only purchase what is necessary for the normal every day function and advancement of the office and not do so just for show or bragging rights. I am very fiscally conservative and I will carry over those beliefs into office practices by not making any unnecessary purchases.

__What makes you the best candidate for the position?:__

I have always been interested in genealogy, family history, and local history. I've been actively engaged in researching County records for 13 years including those housed in the Recorder of Deeds office. I was hired by the County in 2007 as Assistant Director of the Archive Center where I have helped thousands of people conduct research to find out their family history, the history of their house, or the history of the land they own.