Summit County Recorder Rhonda Francis, candidate for Summit County Recorder. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

With Election Day approaching, and mail-in ballots on their way to residents, The Park Record asked candidates to answer a series of questions in their own words in order to help voters make informed decisions. View the answers of candidates in other races here.

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What are your qualifications to serve as Summit County recorder and why are you seeking a full term?

Rhonda Francis (Incumbent Democrat, unopposed): I am a cadastral mapper. I am a Level 4 instructor in the Utah Recorders Association. I have sixteen years of experience in the Recorders Office. I was the chief deputy for 5 years. I manage a staff of 5.

What changes during your term, if any, do you plan to make to help the office run more efficiently?

Francis: We have been working on the website to make it easier for the public to use. More cross training of employees.

Do you think the recorder’s term should be six years as opposed to the four-year term of most elected county officials? Why or why not?

Francis: I think 4 years is a good a period of time. The last term of six years was just to offset the elections.

The recorder’s office also serves as the depository for survey plats. Is the recorder’s office fully equipped and staffed to handle those duties? Are there are any improvements that could be made?

Francis: I feel like we can handle the basic needs of the survey plats. We scan and index all the surveys that are brought into our office. Improvements would be to hire a part time surveyor to check the surveys.

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According to the Summit County Clerk’s Office, ballots for the Nov. 6 election are set to begin arriving by mail on Friday, Oct. 19. Ballots returned through the mail must be postmarked by Nov. 5. Residents can register to vote online or at the Clerk’s Office through Oct. 30. Same-day registration will also be available at four voting assistance centers throughout the county on Election Day. Visit http://co.summit.ut.us/281/Voter-Registration-Elections for more information.