Candidate questionnaire: Janet Robert

Candidate Name: Janet Fenimore Robert

Party: Democratic

Age: 65

Place of birth: Cape Girardeau

Spouse: Norman A Robert Jr

Children: Norman A Robert III, Carrie M Robert, Justin F Robert

Occupation: Recorder of Deeds

Education: Cape Girardeau Central High School; Southeast Missouri State University

Employer: Cape Girardeau County

Businesses owned, all or part: None

Previous offices held/sought: Recorder of Deeds, 1977 to present.

Question 1: Technology is changing rapidly and the recorder of deeds office must keep pace. What changes are needed to keep the office up-to-date?

Answer: We are currently using new software that is in use in only 12 Recorders offices throughout the United States. We are privileged to be one of the offices helping to develop this program for use in other recorder's offices nationwide. It is very prestigious to be able to assist in the development of this software. Therefore, we will always be in the forefront of technology compared to other Recorders offices.

Question 2: What can be done to make the recorder's office function more effectively?

Answer: We have always tried to stay ahead of the latest technology and are currently working on a program to back index even more documents into our computer system. Our records can be searched on computer back to 1989 and when we are finished with our current project we will have records going back to 1969. These records can be searched off-site and from any computer system.

Question 3: What in your background or education makes you more qualified to be recorder of deeds than your opponents?

Answer: I am the only candidate with 33 years experience in the office. I have taken this office from pen and ink, to microfilm, to the most current digital technology. I keep updated on the latest developments by attending all educational and training conferences that are held for Recorders. I have been active in the Recorders Association of Missouri and currently serve on the legislative committee.

Question 4: How important is experience to operating the recorder's office?

Answer: Experience is of the utmost importance. Unless you have actually worked in this office you do not have the experience necessary for the position. The training you need for learning the laws and statutes cannot be obtained any where else. Our software program is totally unique to the Recorders office. You also have to deal with many different types of people and many different professions, therefore a well rounded personality is important.

Closing remarks: I have dedicated 33 years to making this the best Recorders office in the state of Missouri. Customers that use Recorders offices all over the state are always complimenting my staff and myself on what a great office we run. We are extremely helpful to our customers and go the extra mile. We are also complimented on how well we preserve the records and the ease of use in searching the records.