JANET ROBERT FILES FOR RE-ELECTION

JACKSON -- Cape Girardeau County Recorder of Deeds Janet Robert filed Tuesday for re-election to a sixth term.

The Cape Girardeau Democrat has served as county recorder for 21 years. "I have devoted nearly all of my professional life as recorder," she said.

The recorder of deeds issues and records marriage licenses. Her office also records real estate transactions, financing statements and military discharges.

Robert said she has streamlined the operation of the office. Gone are the days when documents were handwritten and bound into books.

A computer-based imaging system now scans documents, making for easy retrieval. The documents are better preserved since they aren't being handled every day by visitors, Robert said.

"This system has increased our efficiency while vastly improving the level of service to those needing access to the tens of thousands of real estate transactions recorded here," Robert said.

The County Commission recently appointed Robert to an ad hoc committee that is considering establishing a centralized, county records storing center. This could lead to a county archive center.

Robert supervises a four-person staff. "The five of us have nearly 90 years of experience in this office," she said.

Along with the county sheriff and presiding commissioner, Robert serves on the Cape Girardeau County Crime Reduction Fund Committee. The committee oversees the money that is generated by fines paid by convicted felons.

Recent expenditures have been made to Cape Girardeau County Crime Stoppers, a group that provides financial rewards for tips that help solve crimes. The fund also is used to pay for education and training for law enforcement officers.

Robert is a lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau County. She graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1963. She attended Southeast Missouri State University before marrying Norman A. Robert Jr.

The Roberts have three grown children and a grandchild. They are members of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau.

Robert is a member of the Recorders Association of Missouri, Zonta Club, Southeast Missouri State University's Copper Dome Society and the Booster Club, and the SEMO Fair Association. She also is a charter member of the Excelsior Optimist Club.