The Miami County Recorder Race: Discover the Importance of This Role and Meet the Candidates

Who is Running?

There are two write-in candidates vying for the Miami County recorder position following Jessica Lopez's resignation in September to become an assistant county prosecutor.

Since the change occurred too late for the ballot, no names will be listed. The candidates are Samuel Pierce, a member of the Troy City Council, and David Norman, a retired captain from the Miami County Sheriff’s Department.

The Miami County Commissioners have appointed Norman as the interim recorder until the election.

Voters need to know write-in candidates for Miami County recorder race

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What Does A County Recorder Do? 

As outlined by the Ohio Recorders’ Association, the responsibilities of a recorder include the following:

• Keeps a complete and accurate record of all land-related documents in the county.

• Maintains permanent land records in an accessible format for the public.

• Enforces over 1,000 state laws related to the Recorder's Office duties.

• Ensures all received documents are accurately filed, recorded, scanned, and indexed.

• Serves on the Record Commission to decide how long county records are kept and when they can be disposed of.

• Participates in the Automatic Data Processing Board to oversee purchases of data processing equipment.

• Acts as secretary for the Microfilm Board to manage contracts for microfilming and image processing services.

• Collects fees for filed documents and deposits them into the county’s general fund and the Ohio Housing Trust Fund.

• Maintains accurate financial records for the Recorder's Office operations.

• Handles all accounting tasks, including budgets, reports, and payroll records.

• Files required annual reports, including ethics, inventory, and affirmative action documents.

• Notifies county commissioners and township trustees each year about their zoning resolution filing responsibilities.

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The Essential Role of the County Recorder in Our Economy

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Jessica Lopez, former Miami County Recorder, who served 11 years in the elected office, for sharing her insights on the crucial role of the recorder in maintaining our free market system. Lopez explained that the recorder's office is frequently utilized by banks, title companies, attorneys, genealogists, and individuals seeking historical information, as well as real estate professionals who ensure that buyers, sellers, and mortgage holders secure clear and marketable titles to their properties. She noted that the accuracy of these records is vital to the mortgage industry and the overall economy, as this information is relied upon to sustain our free market system.

The recorder is responsible for maintaining official real estate records, which are essential for secure property transactions. Lopez noted that, in comparison to third-world economies, one of the strengths of the American economy is the security of real estate investments, which the recorder oversees. Additionally, the recorder handles administrative tasks in compliance with state laws, including payroll and employee management, and serves on the county’s data board, approving technology purchases.

Lopez also highlighted the role of the recorder as secretary of the county microfilm board, balancing the use of traditional microfilm technology with the need for digitization to improve access and efficiency. This is especially important for disaster recovery, ensuring that records are safe from events like fires or floods.

Furthermore, the recorder's office provides valuable services to veterans by recording DD214 discharge papers for free, enhancing accessibility and record keeping for those who served. Statewide, recorders collaborate through the Ohio Recorder’s Association to foster education and camaraderie, advocate for legislative improvements, and improve the operations of county recorder offices.

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Meet the Candidates

Dave Norman Candidate Bio:

Dave Norman is the current Miami County Recorder, dedicated to ensuring the success of his office and providing the best service to the residents of Miami County. He was appointed by the county commissioners to fill the vacancy and was later elected by the Miami County Republican Central Committee with a vote of nearly 68% to complete the unexpired term following the resignation of former county recorder Jessica Lopez.

He is a dedicated public servant, not a politician, and will not use this office to further his own political career. Dave has been a resident for over 40 years, he has deep roots in the community and upholds traditional conservative values. His wife, Susie, comes from a multi-generational farming family in the county, and they enjoy weekly family suppers with their three children and six grandchildren, where they share their successes, achievements, struggles, and concerns.

Dave has devoted much of his adult life to serving his country and community. His journey began in the US Marine Corps, where he served in Vietnam and was one of the last eleven Marines evacuated from the US Embassy during the Fall of Saigon in 1975. He has also worked with the Miami County Sheriff's Department, serving as a Jail Administrator, where he led a large staff of corrections officers and managed complex budgets.

One of his top priorities is to prevent quitclaim deed fraud. To bring awareness and safeguard homeowners, he plans to send letters to new homeowners upon receipt of their deeds. These letters will explain what property fraud is and provide guidance on how to register for property fraud alerts. With extensive experience in county government and operations, Dave is uniquely qualified for the role of Miami County Recorder. His understanding of local governance enables him to effectively implement strategies that benefit the community.

Dave has served both his nation and his county. His diverse experiences—ranging from facing danger on the battlefield to managing budgets and collaborating with various leaders—have equipped him with valuable insights, making him an ideal candidate for continued leadership in Miami County.

Vote Dave Norman For Miami County Recorder (Youtube Video)

Dave Norman Facebook Page

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Dave Norman Campaign Letter

I am the current Miami County Recorder, working hard to ensure the success of my office and to provide the best service to the people of Miami County.

As a 40+ year resident of Miami County, I have deep roots here and believe in tradition and conservative values. My wife, Susie, is a member of a multi-generational farming family in our county. My three children and six grandchildren live here and we have a family supper every Sunday to come together and share our successes, our achievements, our struggles and concerns.

I have spent most of my adult life in service of my country and my community. From my early career in the US Marine Corps and service in Vietnam, witnessing the Fall of Saigon as one of the last 11 Marines evacuated from the US Embassy in 1975 to my years of service with the Miami County Sheriffs Department I have tirelessly worked to benefit my nation and my county. From facing grave danger on the battlefield to handling budgets, handling administration of county agencies and working with many different groups, people and leaders, I have gained much experience and perspective - allowing me to be the best choice for continued successful leadership in our county.

Remember to write in "Dave Norman" on your ballot for the Miami County Recorders position!

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Samuel Pierce Candidate Bio:

Samuel Pierce is a dedicated public servant and a current member of the Troy City Council, where he has served for the past two years. He is committed to resolving the title land loss issue through educational efforts and improving the services provided by the Miami County Recorder’s Office, including enhanced assistance for veterans.

Samuel wants to protect the residents of Miami County, particularly from quitclaim deed fraud, which can lead to the theft of homes without the owners' knowledge. He seeks to strengthen existing county programs designed to safeguard homeowners by reaching out to all parts of the community, including the county’s smaller villages, to ensure that residents are informed and protected.

With his experience on the city council, Samuel has developed strong collaborative skills, preparing him to work effectively with other elected officials. He is focused on delivering results for the taxpayers of Miami County and brings the vision, energy, and fresh leadership necessary to achieve that goal.

Samuel plans to modernize the Recorder’s Office by providing online access to all county records dating back to its inception. “This initiative will significantly enhance transparency and efficiency, making it easier for residents to find important information and facilitating improved business operations,” he states. “My goal is to implement a digital system that not only streamlines record-keeping but also improves public access.”

Samuel desires to work with builders, real estate professionals, and staff to ensure accurate information and excellent customer service. He is also committed to educating the public about the various services offered by the Recorder’s Office, including support for veterans and land fraud prevention. With his background and proactive approach, Samuel Pierce is ready to lead Miami County into a more secure and accessible future.

Voters expected to write names in for a position on Miami County Ballot

Samuel Pierce for Recorder Facebook Page

Samuel Pierce Campaign Letter

In my professional career, I have held various titles, but the most relevant experience comes from my role as Director of Physical, Occupational, and Speech Services. In this position, I successfully oversaw a diverse team of professionals, ensuring high-quality service delivery while maintaining net profitability for the company. My ability to grow the department highlights my strategic thinking and leadership skills, essential for managing the county recorder's office effectively.

This experience in the private sector is crucial as it has provided me with a strong understanding of operational efficiency, financial management, and team collaboration. These skills will enable me to implement effective processes and technologies within the recorder's office, ultimately enhancing service delivery to our residents.

Moreover, my commitment to transparency and accessibility will drive me to create a more efficient office that meets the needs of Miami County citizens. With my professional background and dedication to service, I am prepared to lead the recorder’s office in a way that benefits all residents, fostering a sense of new energy and new leadership.

I have the endorsements of young Republicans in our area and the endorsement of right to life Society, whose chapter covers Miami County. I am the only candidate to have worked on pro-life causes understanding that life is sacred and appreciate the honor of those endorsements. 

Education:

B.S. Healthcare Administration, Franklin University

A.A.S. Physical Therapy, Edison State Community College

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Candidate Questionnaire Responses

The candidates were presented with eight questions in a Google Form document. Please click on the links below to view their responses.

The questions were as follows:

1. What authority does the county recorder have?

2. How would you use technologies such as AI or Blockchain? Do you think they have a place in county government? Are there pros and cons to them? 

3. How do you intend to comply with the digitization requirements that the state legislature has imposed? Do you believe it would be beneficial for the county to continue to digitize and make records available on digital form beyond what the statute simply requires? 

4. Do you support publicly sharing the recorder’s annual financial data on a publicly available website? 

5. How will you embrace technology to improve efficiency and overall operations while using current staff resources and protecting employee rights?

6. There is a balance between ensuring transparency and allowing the public to access public records. Recorders sometimes face difficult situations such as signature theft, information theft, and fraud in real estate recordings. What policies could the county recorder implement to ensure the security and safety of information as we move further into the digital age?

7. Are you willing to offer additional training sessions or additional opportunities for the public to learn what the county recorder has to offer for them?

8. What is the benefit of a property notification service? 

Dave Norman Responses

Samuel Pierce Responses

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I'd like to encourage you not to skip your down ballot races. Local races directly impact our communities, and our local elected officials play a major role in our daily lives. Please don't leave those spots unfilled on your ballot and decline to have a say in who represents you within your own community.

Please take time to research the candidates, visit their Facebook pages, and consider their backgrounds, experiences, and goals for office. Your informed vote is important for our county.