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There are three candidates for Clay County recorder of deeds on the primary ballots for Tuesday, Aug. 3.

Michael Ebenroth and Jay Lawson will compete for their party’s nomination in the Republican primary. The winner of that race will face Democrat incumbent Robert Sevier in the November general election.

ON THE REPUBLICAN BALLOT

Michael “Mike” Ebenroth

- Length of residence in Clay County: 30 years

- Prior experience in an elected office: Served on the Excelsior Springs City Council and served as mayor of Excelsior Springs.

- Other forms of civic involvement and memberships: not listed

- Education: two-year business degree, Triton College

- Employment Experience: self-employed Realtor at Reece & Nichols Realtors, Kearney; owner/operator of two KFC/Taco Bells for 27 years until sold in 2000; store opening manager for Ben Franklin Stores covering a nine-state territory

Why did you choose to run for this office? “I am running for Clay County recorder of deeds because it’s time for a new era based on conservative principles, accountability and great customer service, and I believe that with my real estate and business background I can achieve these goals.”

How would you define the primary role of this position? “My primary role as recorder of deeds is to oversee the office to make sure we keep a full set of public records according to the Missouri state statues.”

In your opinion, what will be the most important issues for this office during the next five years? “I believe that we must keep up with technology to make sure that in these tough economic times we are accountable to the taxpayers of Clay County. Simply put, as costs continue to go up, we must find ways to save the taxpayers’ money.”

What will be the most important issues for Clay County during the next five years? “Again, during these economic times, tax revenues are decreasing, so we must find ways to live within a budget that does not increase the burden on the taxpayers. This will mean tough budget decisions for Clay County leaders as they balance the services needed verses raising taxes.”

- Length of residence in Clay County: More than 40 years

- Prior experience in an elected office: former Clay County Eastern Commissioner, 1990-2000

- Other forms of civic involvement and memberships: Masonic Lodge, Ararat Shrine, Optimist Club, American Legion, Northland Citizens Against Crime, Kearney Saddle Club, Missouri AQHA, Missouri AQHA Executive Board, AQHA member

- Education: college, U.S. Marine Corps and Coast Guard training courses, Kansas City Missouri Police Department Training Academy, numerous law enforcement training courses.

- Employment experience: Kansas City Police Department, 1964-1988; private business owner; Clay County Commissioner, 1990-2000; Truman Library security supervisor; and Clay County Sheriff’s Office

Why did you choose to run for this position? “I am seeking the office to make improved changes to assist citizens and business. Also to be an added voice as an officeholder to ask for the County Commission to reduce county taxes and rethink their position on bringing jobs and businesses into our county, and within the authority of this office to call for the County Commission to be accessible and full-time employees of the Clay County citizens.”

How would you define the primary role of this position? “The primary position of the recorder of deeds is to serve the public. In addition, the position is responsible for recording many different types of documents and making these documents available to the public.”

In your opinion, what will be the most important issue for this office during the next five years? “There are several important issues facing the office. Records should be available by referencing address and or locations. In today’s world, most people manage purchases with debit or credit cards. We are encouraged to carry less cash and utilize plastic for most transactions, and the recorder of deeds office refuses to accept debit or credit cards. I would improve public service by authorizing the acceptance of debit or credit cards. Unbelievably, this office, with an enormous slush fund, does not have a fax machine in the office and cannot furnish fax copies to citizens. I would immediately purchase a fax machine and provide fax copies when appropriate.”

What are the most important issues for the county over the long run? “The most important issues facing Clay County in the next five years will be doing more with less.”

ON THE DEMOCRAT BALLOT

Robert “Bob” Sevier

- Length of residence in Clay County: lifelong resident

- Prior experience in an elected office: current Clay County recorder of deeds

- Other forms of civic involvement and memberships: Recorder’s Association of Missouri; National Association of County Recorders, Elected Officials & Clerks; International Association of Clerks, Recorders, Elected Officials and Treasurers; Property Records

Industry Association; former board member of Clay County Developmental Disability Resource Board, Clay County Board of Equalization, Concerned Care Inc.; member of Clay County Museum and Historical Society; military service in U.S. Army, 1st Infantry Division

- Education: University of Kansas, Bachelor of Arts; University of Missouri St. Louis, Chancellor’s Advanced Certificate of Public Administration

- Employment experience: business owner with 25 years in the land title business, 12 years as Clay County recorder of deeds

Why did you choose to run for this office? “Three years ago, I started a program to protect the identity of Clay County citizens on recorded documents posted on the Internet. With more than 25 years of experience in the land title business, I have the knowledge, commitment and desire to better serve and protect our citizens.”

How would you define the primary role of this position? “According to the statutes of the state of Missouri, the primary role of the recorder of deeds is to maintain, preserve and protect all documents recorded in Clay County and to issue Clay County marriage licenses.”

What will be the most important issues for Clay County during the next five years? “The important issues facing Clay County include maintaining and improving basics services without additional costs to the taxpayers, proactively managing growth and actively encouraging new business.

“Important long-term issues include good fiscal management, replacing aging infrastructure, additional funding for law enforcement, pro-active management of county growth, improved roads and bridges and continued encouragement of new business.

“As recorder of deeds, I want to protect the public records with software enhancements, continue to update and maintain an off-site disaster recovery site, continue office budget reductions and look for ways to better serve the public.”

Candidate profile schedule

Leading up to the Tuesday, Aug. 3, primaries, The Herald will profile the candidates for county offices on the local ballot. The following is a publication schedule for those profiles.

- June 30 — Clay County prosecuting attorney

- July 7* — Clay County recorder of deeds

- July 14 — Clay County auditor

- July 21 — Clay County clerk

- July 28 — Clay County presiding commissioner

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